Frank Ros The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture

The Lost Secrets of
AYURVEDIC
ACUPUNCTURE
AN AYURVEDIC GUIDE TO ACUPUNCTURE
Based upon the Suchl Veda Science of kupuncture

The Traditional Indian System
by Dr. FRANK ROS A.M.n, nAco

Doctor of Ayurvedic Acupuncture and Medicine
Ufe Member of Acupuncture Society of India Member of Naturopathic

Practitioners Assoc. Inc.
and Australian Association of Ayurveda
Director of Australian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine
LOTUS PRESS
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin 53181 U.S.A.
DISCLAIMER
This book is a reference work, not intended to diagnost;
prescribe or treat. The information contained herein is in no way
to be considered as a substitute for consultation with a professional
physician. Proper training under a competent Ayurvedic
Acupuncture physician in an appropriate college is essential
or most desirable.
COPYRIGHT © 1994 FRANK ROS

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and
retrieval systems without permission in writing hom the publisher, except by a
reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
FIRST EDITION, 1994
Printed in the United States of America.
ISBN 0·914955·12·8 CIP 93·80314
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data:

Ros, Frank.
The lost secrets of ayurvedic acupuncture.
Published 1994 by Lotus Press! P.o. Box 325, Twin Lakes WI 53181 USA
DEDICATION
To my darling wife; Judy
and son; Clinton with much love.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A debt of gratitude to Professor Dr. P.H. Kulkarni) Research Guide
(and former Ayurvedic Dean}) Poona University (Pune) for his
perseverance and support and to my good colleagues) Ayurvedic
physicians Professor Manfred Junius EI.I.M. and Dr. Krishna Kumalj
F.I.I.M. for their openness) friendship and understanding. Gurukal
Scaife - It was an honor being your student.
CONTENTS
FOREWORD ......................................... xi
INTRODUCTION ................................... xvii
Chapter 1-Ayurvedic Acupuncture
(History and Background) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2-The Five Elements
(Pancha Mahabhutas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
Element Syndromes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
Chapter 3-The Bio-Energy Channels
The Chakras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31
Chapter 4-Ayurvedic Bio-rhythms ....................... 42
Energy Wheels or Cycles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49
Wheel of the Tissues (Dhatu-Chakra) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 63
Chapter 5-Part 1: Major Organs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 69
Part 2: The Two OppOSites (Guna Dvandva) . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 74
Part 3: Process/stages and pathways of Disease. . . . . . . . . . . .. 81
Chapter 6-Ayurvedic Diagnosis (Pariksha). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 99
Pulse ............................................ 101
Tongue .......................................... 108
Ear .............................................. 112
Chapter 7-
Part 1: The Ayurvedic Acupuncture Needle (Suchi) .......... 116
Part 2: The Acupuncture Channels (Nadis) ................ 122
Part 3: The Vital Points (Marmas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Part 4: The Five types of the Tridoshas
and their treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Appendix A-The Major Therapeutic Needling Points ......... 162
Appendix B-Acupuncture Treatment of Common Diseases .... 181
Appendix C-Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Index .............................................. 195
FOREWORD
Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine are the two oldest and best
developed of the natural healing traditions of humanity. This is not
surprising as they are the medical systems of India and China, the
largest and oldest of the world's civilizations. The two systems have
come to the forefront again, with the revival of traditional medicine
that is happening today throughout the world. We are recognizing
that traditional medicint; like the Earth itself, has special powers of
healing particularly for deep seated disorders, that we have overlooked
in the rush to develop a standardized technologically-based medicine.
To deal with the problems caused by technolo~ stress, artificial life-
styles and global pollution we are once again seeing the value of these
natural healing systems and their ability to harness the very life-force
of nature itself.
Both systems, which are recognized by the World Health Organiza-
tion, are now being practiced, and Chinese medicine itself is becom-
ing legalized, all over the world. The medicine of the coming century
is bound to have a powerful imprint from both these two ancient cur-
rents of healing which offer safe and proven remedies as an alternative
to the allopathic medicine whose limitations, particularly in the treat-
ment of chronic diseases, are becoming evident everywhere.
Naturally, an attempt to connect these two important systems of
medicine is already happening. Students of one system will usually
have an interest in the other. Chinese acupuncture itself is now being
practiced in India. Ayurvedic medicine is developing in Japan and rnay
perhaps soon be introduced into China as well.
The two systems possess an affinity for languagt; approach and
methodology, with their emphasis on the life-forct; the elements and
qualities of nature. In Chinese medicint; this takes the form of yin
xi
xii AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
and yang, chi and the five elements of earth, water, fire; wood and
metal. In Ayurvedic medicine; it takes the form of the three Doshas
or biological humors (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and the five elements
of earth, watelj fire, air and ether. Both systems speak of Wind, fire
and phlegm disorders and employ similar methodologies to treat them.
Both systems classify food and herbs by taste; element and heating
or cooling energy
Both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are based upon systems that
are built into the oldest layers of their cultures. The Chinese system
reflects the language of the I Ching, the oldest Chinese book. The
Ayurvedic system reflects the language of the Vedas, the oldest of the
books of India. They are not Simply extraneous medical systems prac-
ticed by an educated elite but rooted in the entire culture and in the
very life of the common people of their countries. These include the
diet and folk medicines of the various local cultures of their diverse
regions. Such a living system of healing that includes self-healing and
home remedies is exactly what we need toda)-) to reintegrate medicine
into life.
The two systems also have many historical links. India and China
have maintained a steady commerce of trade and exchange of ideas
going back to prehistoric times. Though the two subcontinents are
next to each other, their separation by the high Tibetan plateau, the
Central Asian desert and the jungles of southeast Asia has made con-
tact difficult, but not impOSSible. The Silk Trail between China and
the West always involved a trade route from China to India. Sea routes
from the South of India to southern China have also been in existence
for over two thousand years. Tibet itself represents a composite culture
of India and Chinese influence which includes both these medical
systems. The most notable contact between India and China was
through the movement of Buddhism from India, but links before and
after these periods existed as well.
In my own studies I became interested in both systems at an early
point. After haVing examined both systems in depth, it became clear
to me that the differences between the two are more semantic than
Foreword xiii
substantial, and that by changing a few key terms, the corpus of

knowledge of one system can be translated into the other, thus
significantly widening the scope of each. However, preoccupation
with other pursuits has not left me the time to pursue this matter in
detail. Therefore, it is heartening to see other people take up such a
pursuit. This volume is an excellent example.
Much of the herbal medicine of the Chinese and Ayurvedic system
shows points of commonality. That is why in my books Ayurvedic
Healing and The yvga of Herbs, mention is made of relevant Chinese
herbs and formulas to Ayurvedic conditions. Yet the treatment models
of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, which have similar energetic
languages, are not only connected on the level of herbs but also on
the level of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is the most visible, unique and conspicuous feature
of Chinese medicine. Many of us in the West tend to identify Chinese
medicine with acupuncture, though the system itself is predominately
herbal in nature. Ayurvedic medicine does not contain such a clearly
visible system of pressure point therapy in its practice today as does
acupuncture. Yet it does contain traces of such a system. Ayurvedic
books contain classifications of special pOints, called marmas or
"sensitive" points. It describes the body in terms of various channel
systems (srotamsi or nadis), much like the meridian systems of
Chinese medicine.
Unfortunatellj Ayurveda and other Vedic systems in India, have
been preserved in family traditions and, as a rule, do not share their
secrets openly This means that the knowledge available about
Ayurveda in books-even in the Indic languages of which few have
been translated into English-represents only a fraction of what is
kept hidden and is the subject only of oral transmission. Such secrets
of Ayurvedic acupuncture or pressure point therapy can be found in
family traditions in India today
Dr. Frank Ros, an Ayurvedic practitioner and acupuncturist from
Australia, in The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture, introduces an
Ayurvedic model for the practice of acupuncture. This model is
xiv AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
remarkably like the Chinese model, which may be surprising at first

to those who know only Chinese medicine. They will see their own
system presented according to a slightly different treatment line. As
we look more deeply however, we see that the similarities between
the two approaches are based upon a common knowledge and
common tradition between the two systems.
Dr. Ros has studied the hidden or lost Ayurvedic traditions in In-
dia. Martial arts and massage systems, particularly in South India-
from which the Chinese martial arts may have developed, along with
the movement of Buddhism from South India to China-reflect an
acupuncture-like knowledge of the pressure points on the body. South
India has been a repository of ancient knowledge of all types in India.
It was the main region of refuge in the subcontinent from the cruel
Islamic onslaught of the Middle Ages in which most of the
monasteries and temples in North India-including the great univer-
sities and libraries of Takshashila and Nalanda-were destroyed.
Dr. Ros' book is extremely readable and very practical. He shows
how acupuncture can be easily understood in terms of Ayurvedic
medicine. Almost any acupuncturist can use the book to incorporate
an Ayurvedic point of view into his or her own practice. Similarly,
Ayurvedic students can use the book to incorporate acupuncture in
their study and practice of Ayurveda. He has established the main
translation of terms between Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese
Medicine, which itself is useful in attempts to correlate the two systems
on all levels. With such an important ground-breaking work (link-
ing the two systems of mediCine), their eventual reintegration is bound
to be a matter of time.
Whether Chinese medicine may have an Ayurvedic root is bound
to remain a debatable point. The antiquity of both systems and the
difficulties in historical interpretation make any statements in this
regard tentative. Recent historical evidence is also suggesting much
greater antiquity for both these ancient cultures. For example, the
rediscovery of the ancient Sarasvati river system and the Mehrgarh
Site, shows an organiC development of civilization in India, going
Foreword xv
back to 6500 BC, with a strong Vedic (Aryan) presence from the
earliest era. This gives a much greater antiquity to Vedic culture, of
which Ayurveda is a part, than has been previously thought. In my
book Gods, Sages and Kings: Vedic Secrets of Ancient Civilization, I tried
to present some of this information, including a small section show-
ing the probable antiquity of Ayurveda, according to this new model.
Meanwhile the antiquity of ancient Chinese culture is also being
extended backwards. We are being forced to recognize that our an-
cient ancestors had not only sp~ritual secrets, but secrets of healing,
and possessed cultures that were much older and more sophisticated
than we have yet realized.
In any event, an alliance of Traditional Chinese Medicine and
Ayurveda is bound to emerge, both in terms of herbs and acupunc-
ture. It will greatly broaden the scope of natural healing throughout
the world and will reintroduce natural healing with a strong clinical
model and a vast clinical experience. In this development, the work
of Dr Ros and his present book, represents an important breakthrough.
We look forward to additional books from the author, going into
greater detail about the profound connection between acupuncture
and Ayurveda.
Dr. David Frawley o.M.D.

December, 1993
Santa Fe, New Mexico
INTRODUCTION
This book reflects over twenty years of studlj practice and research
on traditional Indian medicine, yet the concepts outlined herein have
been developed and refined over thousands of years. This traditional
Indian medical system is referred to as Ayurvedic Medicine or
Ayurveda.
Ayurveda means the "Science of Life!' It is both a curative and a
preventive form of therapy. It is also holistic, since the whole person
is diagnosed and treated, not just the particular symptom which is
evident. It isn't a matter of "my pain is lessened;' but rather "I feel
better, I am well 77 j where "P' refers to the person as a whole and not
just the localized symptom.
Ayurvedic medicine is thousands of years old, but it is still as rele-
vant today as it was in ancient times. Although no one can yet be
sure when it first originated, it is generally well known and agreed
that it was utilized in India more than 5000 years ago.
Yoga and Ayurveda are generally considered to have been practiced
in the ancient Indus Vallflj an area in India (and modern Pakistan)
which receives a great deal of attention through present-day archae-
ological discoveries. It appears as though the people of this area, of
Harappas and Mohenjo Daro, suddenly disappeared, or were qUick-
ly swallowed up by waves of incoming invaders related to the Aryan
civilization.
The first documentation of these concepts occurred only about 2-3
thousand years ago. Previousllj they were mainly taught through
word-of-mouth, from generation to generation. Nevertheless, the Vedas
(ancient Indian texts written about 7000 years ago) do mention
Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture (needle therapy). With the
flowering of Buddhism in India in 563 BC,learning centers or univer-
sities were encouraged and established-especially by the orders of
Emperor Ashoka. Hospitals were built and most of the arts and
xvii
xviii AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
sciences were taught and practiced, especially at the Indian Buddhist

university of TakshashiIa. Even martial arts were taught in these centers
by the Buddhist monks. As the Dharma (or buddhist law) did not
allow monks to use weapons even for self-defense" unarmed self-
defense was practiced.
As explained in the text Milindapanha, unarmed self-defense was
taught as part of the Nineteen Arts, which also included Medicine
(Milindapanha l). The Milindapanha is a scripture of questions and
answers between the buddhist king Milinda and the superior monk
Nagasena.
In this text the king asks the monk:

"lf revered Nagasena enemies can be restrained by the use of the fists alone,
then what is the good of knives, bo1XJS and arro1XJS?"
This excerpt demonstrates the expertise (although of a secretive
nature) that the monks must have had in unarmed self-defense, even
against weapons. This knowledge was employed when Buddhism
began to extend not only throughout India but also to most of the
oriental countries.
During their travels, the monks encountered thieves and opponents
of their new religion. Their reluctant use of unarmed methods of self-
defense must have saved many a monk's life and allowed their doc-
trine to reach the further-most comers of the Orient. China, for
instance" built a speCial monastery at Shaoshih Peak of Sungshan
Mountains (Honan province) to accommodate monks travelling to
China from India. This monastery, built in 300 AD was called the
Shaolin Temple and later became renowned for its expertise in
Buddhism, martial arts and medicine.
"KALARI-A very ancient Indian martial art. It is part of the traditional
belief that the style is the same as that brought to China from India by
Bodhidharma and taught at the Shaolin temple." l
Monks later also entered other countries, such as Korea, Japan and
Indonesia. Their forms of healing and self-defense were taught to the
Introduction xix
new local monks which explains why Ayurvedic concepts can be

found in most oriental countries today
"The medical system which spread wtth Buddhism, Ayurveda or one of
Its offshoots is stili practtced today in TIbet, Central Asia, Sri Lanka, and
in parts of China, Japan, Indochina and Indonesia." 2
With the gradual decline of Buddhism in India (caused by various
factors including increased popularity of Hinduism)J Buddhist ideas
receded into the background and in some cases remained secret.
Ayurveda and other arts and sciences were later banned by the British
East India Company Only very traditional practitioners retained and
practiced them under threat of execution if discovered.
After Mahatma Gandhi achieved independence for India during the
early part of this centuIJj traditional concepts were once again en-
couraged to be practiced. Unfortunatel)lj the task of finding reputable
practitioners from whom to learn all the concepts of Ayurveda
correctly has been a formidable task. TodaJj more and more knowledge
is coming to light as reluctant practitioners share their secret and often
family-related heirlooms of medicine and martial arts.
World-renowned Ayurvedic physician Dr. Chandrashekkar Thak-
kur explainS:
"In India today, if every family shared Its medical secrets as the Chinese have
[been obliged to do by the government), we would probably find methods quite
as interesting and as effective as the Chinese ones." 3
There is a wealth of information waiting to be shared with the West
but unfortunatelJj India has always been reluctant to export its ideasJ
or has not utilized modern marketing techniques to capitalize on its
assets. Traditionall)lj Indians have been more concerned with trans-
cending time than making a profit out of it.
AYURVEDICACUPUNCTURE
Ayurvedic medicine has many different branchesJ as it is the study
of the whole body and life. One of these branches is Ayurvedic
xx AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture. This can be termed an accessory therapy since it was

used in conjunction with other forms to effect healing. It belongs more
correctly to the branch of surge!)) one of the eight medical disciplines
of Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic surgery in ancient India was extremely advanced (India
was normally considered the most advanced country in surgery in
ancient times). Plastic surgery of the nose was a routine operation
during Sushruta's time. Sushruta is the ancient renowned Ayurvedic
surgeon. Broken bones were also mended with metal pins in much
the same way they are today.
Today there is no doubt that Ayurvedic Acupuncture Originated from
the practice of using needles in surgery and the knowledge of the
pressure points (which was also utilized by the surgeons in India).
Notes:
1. Dictionary of the Martial Arts, p. 93.
2. Ayurvedic Medicine, p. 26.
3. Modern Guide To Ear Acupuncture, p. 190.
The Lost Secrets of
AYURVEDIC
ACUPUNCTURE
CHAPTER I
AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Over the last twenty or so years, Acupuncture has made great
inroads into Westem forms of healing; so much so that even the World
Health Organization (W.H.o.) concluded that not only is Acupunc-
ture a true form of therapy, but that it also can cure, or treat more than
three hundred different types of diseases (WH.o. Chronicle No.34,
1980). It all started when President Nixon visited mainland China
and hence the subsequent interest by the West of all things oriental.
Of course, acupuncture in China had declined over the years as a
system and very few practitioners were to be found before the Chinese
Revolution. Maotse Tung encouraged the retum of traditional therapies
to compensate for the lack of Westem pharmaceutical medicines when
fighting the Nationalists (who were supported by the West). It became
evident to the Chinese that natural therapies, although almost extinct,
were more than just effective. They were necessary, due to the ban
of pharmaceuticals, to defeat the West, or at least give the wounded
a fighting chance.
The West has taken to acupuncture in a very big way and normal-
ly it is regarded as a Chinese therapy While it is true that the system
currently recognized in the West is of Chinese origin and is the best
known and publicized, the reality is that acupuncture has also been
practiced by various countries for thousands of years. It is not exclusive
to the Chinese.
"There is proof that Acupuncture has been practiced in ancient Egypt,
Persia, India, etc." l
TRADITIONAL INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE

The people of India, whose Ayurvedic medicine is very akin
to Chinese medicine, also practiced Acupuncture. There it was
regarded as part of surgical therapy, since instruments similar to
1
2 AYURVEDIC ACUPUNCTURE
the ones used in surgery were utilized. In fact) it is totally possible

that the establishment of this therapy is due to a natural progression
from surgical procedures and instruments used long ago.
As lurgen Thorwald explains:
"The vast variety of Indian surgical instruments which have come down
to us from the first millennium A.D. suggest that surgery had developed to
an extraordinary extent in early India. The sutures and needles described
in the Sushruta texts of several thousand years earlier looked no different [to
those used during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries}. Straight and bent
needles of bone and bronze were used." 2
Ayurvedic Acupuncture is traditionally termed BhedanKarma (mean-
ing iiPiercing:rhrough Therapy~) and is a part of the traditional Indian
methods of using pressure-points or marmas. These methods are
generically referred to as Marma Chikitsa (Treatment of Marmas). There
is an undeniable connection between Marma Chikitsa and what is
today recognized as acupuncture. Acupuncture means Aus = needle
and puncture.
Dr. S.D. Ojha (PhD.) M.A.) LL.B).A.S.) explains:
"This highly developed knowledge of medicine [Ayurvedal received
patronage of kings [in India}. Thereafrer, the time came when ambassadors
went to East Asian countries, including Ceylon and Indonesia. Amongst
them were some of the Buddhist monks who preached and practiced the
Ayurvedic system of medicine. They developed the Marma Chikitsa and it
was recognized as Acupuncture technique of treatment for curing various
diseases. 3
II
In Ayurveda) acupuncture is more correctly termed iiNeedling)

where needles (of a special) suitable design) are used to penetrate the
skin (Ilpiercing througlY)) at strategic points of the body in order to
cause a therapeutic effect. The points are positioned along energy chan-
nels which connect with major organs and structures of the body.
The term iineedling) was utilized by Charaka) the ancient Ayurvedic
master physician) who used it not only in reference to using needles
in surgery but also in non-surgical medical problems.
Ayurvedic Acupuncture 3
"If the physician comes across a patient suffering from syncope,

then . .. NEEDliNG [acupuncture] and BURNING [mexibustion] ... are
helpful in bringing about consciousness." 4
It is obvious from the previous statement that acupuncture (needling)

was known to Charaka, several thousand years ago, since syncope
is a non-surgical disorder.
Dr. Chandrashekkar Thakkur says:
'one volume of the Vedas, known as the Suchi Veda, translated as the
'art of piercing with a needle: was written about 3000 years ago and deals
entirely with acupuncture. liS
One of the major problems today is the availability of all types of
andent Ayurvedic texts. Sharma and Dash in the Charaka explain that:
"Some of the ancient ttxts on Ayurveda are not yet available. Among the
extant ones, the Charaka, Sushruta andVagbhata are recognized as the
Great TriO."6
It is hoped that those which are not currendy available to Western

scholars, will be soon.
Professor Dr. P.H. Kulkarni, Research Guide at Poona University
(poona, India) and current Director of the Institute of Indian Medicine
(Pune) states the follOWing about Ayurvedic Acupuncture:
"The Vedic therapeutic methods in India date back to the prehistoric era.
Many Chinese travellers had come to India and have written txtensive1yabout
the local treatment practices. Some of the Indian authors even said that people
leamt Acupuncture from Indian experts at Takshashila University [circa 100
B.C.]. It is also said that Ayurvedic tfXtS consisted ofAcupuncture principles
and that [most of these] are lost due to unfavorable circumstances in India."?
Buddhism also utilized acupuncture and Ayurveda, which were

subsequendy taught to the Tibetans. The Buddha was reportedly
responsible for writing various texts on Indian mediCine, which
today the Tibetan buddhists jealously guard. There are four shastras
or texts written by the Buddha, one of these-the Fourth Shastra
indeed explains that Tibet received acupuncture and medicine from

India) as Tibetan Dr. Yeshi Donden) former physician to the Dalai
Lama confirms in his book:
" The Tibetan system, mainly derived from Indian Buddhist medicine centers
around restoring and maintaining balance between the three humors called
Wind [VataI Bile [Pitta} and Phlegm [KAphaJ. Experienced Tibetan physi-
cians have used the system for more than a thousand years." S and "Last
[in the Fourth Shastra} is a section dealing with accessory therapy, these in-
clude MOXibustion, A:upuncture, Surgery and so forth." 9
This must definitely be a reference to Indian surgery and acupunc-

ture) since China has had no traditional form of surgery, as dissection
of the human body was totally prohibited) due to religiOUS beliefs.
The Tibetan text itself is of Indian origin.
Any system of true acupuncture must have various components
besides the use of needles in order to be regarded as acupuncture.
VITAL POINTS (Marmas)

The needles must be inserted into specific reflex points (marmas)
which then cause an internal therapeutic reaction. A system which
does not take these points into account is not a true system of acupunc-
ture. Charaka once again enlightens us with regard to these points.
In Chapter VII (14) he explains:
"Beyond what is described above, [the following! can be ascertained from
inference only [can only be deduced}. They are enumerated below:
5. Marma [Vital points in the body)."10
In the South of India) these vital or reflex points are called Adankals
and are traditionally used by Adankal therapists. Today at least 365
of these points are to be found) with some being more important than
others.
"Pressure point therapy is an ancient art of healing which was popular
in many eastern countries particularly India, China, Japan and Korea. This
traditional type of pressure point therapy has been named A:upressure, finger
Acupuncture on the abdominal area.
Moxibustion (Agnikarma)
pressure or Adankal therapy. 1m
Sushruta, the ancient renowned Ayurvedic surgeon described these

pressure points as being areas of very high concentration of life-energy:
"Au;ording to Sushruta every Marma [reflex} point is a seat of Prana
l
[life-energy). The marmas are similarly located on the body as

Acupuncture points. 12
II
Lethal Marmas
There are basically about 107 pressure points considered extreme-
ly lethal if a blow to one of these is received. These marmas are
the lethal marmas which Sushruta and Charaka both described
due to their susceptibility to trauma or injury during battles/wars.
An Ayurvedic surgeon was well acquainted with these in case the
body was pierced by arrows or spears at one of these locations.
The marma's connection with the Ayurvedic concept of the Five
Elements would determine whether trauma to one of these points
was lethal: either instantly, delayed, or occurring only after the
arrow was removed.
Those marmas which are related to the element Fire, would tend
to cause instant death since fire can be eaSily "snuffed out!' Those
related to the element of Water would tend to cause a delayed reac-
tion just as water tends to linger on until it evaporates. While those
related to the element of Wind would only cause death when the
arrow or spear was removed. In all of the above cases, the surgeon
needed to know these points and their effects in order to be effective.
Also, surgery on marmas could be a risky enterprise if the surgeon
was not aware of them.
A surgical operation where the incision leaves a scar across various
channels can interfere with the channels' energy conduction and
promote ill health in the local area as well as in remote areas. For
instance, a horizontal hysterectomy scar below the navel can interfere
with the kidney, stomach, conception and other channels' pranic flow.
It is also interesting to note that today, it has been found that a
vaccination in the arm at a marma point can produce a delayed

effect of chronic proportions for the young patient. Whereas if
injected not at the particular pOintJ the effect would be lessened.
As a side-lint; the late martial arts expert Bruce Lee is believed by
many to have received a blow to one of the delayed marmas which
subsequently caused him to die from a brain hemorrhage. Since Bruce
was superbly fitJ it is possible that this effect actually caused his unusual
type of death for such a healthy man.
Professor Dr. PH.Kulkarni states:
"the extremity marmas [reflex points] are not very dangerous and hence none
of them are described under Sadyah Pranhar category.1113
This tends to point to additional marmas which by their own in-

herent not-so-dangerous nature are unclassified by Charaka. These
include the ones found near the fingers and toes and are extremely
important for Ayurvedic AcupunctureJ even if not so important for
surgery. These will be explained in the text to follow.
CHANNELS (Nadis)
Thus farJ Ayurveda contains not only a system of needling (in com-
mon with surgery) but also one that incorporates reflex or vital points
(marmas). A true system of acupuncture must also have a system of
channels (which the Chinese call meridians) located underneath the
skinJ which connect with the points or marmas and also with
major human organs (e.g. the heart and its channel). Charaka once
again explains:
"Of all these, some varieties of (important) channels will be described here
with reference to their controlling organs and also the symptoms manifested
by their vitiation. This description will be suffiCient for an ignorant man to
understand the characteristic features of these channels, while for a wise man,
this deSCription will prOVide enough material enabling him to under-
stand the characteristic features of other channels which are not
described here. As long as these channels perform their normal functions,
the body is free from disease. '14
I
Of course, some of these channels are physical like the arteries which
cany blood and others are invisible like the energy channels. Charaka
further explainS this:
"Srotas ([gross) channel), vein (sira), artery (dhamani), Lymphatic channel
(rasayani) and energy channel or duct (nadi) ... these are the names at-
tributed to visible and invisible spaces inside the tissue elements of the
body."IS
The channels which relate to physical substances like blood are nor-
mally called Srotas} whereas the ones carrying the life-energy are called
Nadis.
Yoga expert and teacher B.K.S. Iyengar explainS:
"It is said in the Varahopanishad (v,5415) that the Nadis (channels)
penetrate the body from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head. In them
is Prana, the breath of life." 16
MAJOR ORGANS (Kosthangas)

Charaka also outlined the major human organs as detailed in the
Sharirasthana chapter of the Charaka Samhitta. He states:
"Kosthangas (organs in the thorax and abdomen) are:
Heart (hrdaya) Kidney (vrkleau)
Lung (kloman) Urinary Bladder (hasti)
Liver (yakrt) Gall bladder
Large Intestine (sthulantra) Spleen (pliha)
Stomach (amashaya) Small intestine (ksudantra)."17
These ten organs) plus the Pericardium and Tridosha (both con-
sidered organs in Ayurveda) form the twelve major organs which have
Acupuncture channels in the body (e.g. the Heart) Liver, Kidney
Channels etc.).
LIFE-FORCE (Prana)
No acupuncture system} even though containing the above men-
tioned requirements} can truly be acupuncture Without consideration
of the most important ingredient. That ingredient is the bio-energy

which the Chinese call Chi, the Koreans and Japanese call Ki and the
Indians call Prana.
Ayurvedic expert Dr. Bhagwan Dash explains:
Prana is the "Life-force, elan vita!." 18
B.K.s. Iyengar says that:

"Prana is the energy permeating the universe at all levels. It is physical,
mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual and cosmic energy. It is the prime mover
of all activity. It is energy which creates, protects and destroys. Vigo" powe"
vitality, life are all forms of Prana." 19
By inhaling or via food/drinks, Prana is carried into the body via

oxygen molecules. Prana then circulates via innumerable channels,
including the classical Ida and Pingala channels of Yoga, and concen-
trates around the Chakras or bio-energy flywheels of the body. Prana
also circulates through the channels which directly connect with the
human organs described by Charaka. It is because of the pranic flow
of energy that tissues, organs and structures remain alive, since without
it they would perish (as in the case of gangrene-which lacks Prana).
ACUPUNCTURE BASIS
It is unfortunate that many traditional Ayurvedic practices have re-
mained secretive and have all but disappeared &om popular usage.
This has been attributed in most cases to the various invasions of India
and also due to natural calamities.
As an example, there is a system of martial arts in India called Marma
Adi (a part of Kalari) which is the secretive and complex art of striking
vital pressure points for self-defense purposes. It is still kept quite secret,
even in India, and very little information is available today to the West.
It is estimated that about one million Indians practice this form of
martial art but since India is such a large continent and it has an
extremely dense population (900 million plus)) this represents an

extremely small percentage of the population who know about this
art. It is difficult to find a true master or Gurukal from among such
a sea of people.
Marma Adfs secrets were recorded in 72 shastras or ancient books
which were written on palm leaf manuscripts and carefully handed
down many generations &om a master to his most trusted pupil. This
knowledge was reputedly given by Agastya to eighteen of his most
trusted students who each wrote four of the 72 works. To date) only
40 of these valuable manuscripts remain and are in a process of modem
translation by martial arts scholar Moses Thilak of Madras. These
books) on loan to Moses by very traditional practitioners of not on-
ly self-defense but also Ayurvedic medicine) contain explicit informa-
tion about vital points) methods of healing and striking these vital
points) and other secretive information.
Likewis~ many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and art forms
have almost all but disappeared &om popular use in India. Ayurvedic
acupuncture and moxibustion appear to be two of these systems)
although once again they are gaining popularity, even if only very
gradually.
Dr. Chandrashekkar G. Thakkur (world famous authority on
Ayurvedic medicine) states that:
"in India, acupuncture was in use several millennia before Christ and is still
flourishing today."20
The Ayurvedic acupuncture form is termed BhedanKarma (piercing

through therapy) and is a part of the Suchi Veda or the science of
needling. according to Ayurvedic prinCiples.
"Needling ear points was recorded in an ancient Indian text, the Suc hi Veda
(science of needling) about 3000 years ago."21
Although Ayurvedic Acupuncture is today not as popularly prac-

ticed as its Chinese counterpart) it is a science worth studying. It
forms an intricate part of Ayurvedic knowledge) fulfilling Ayurveda
as a complete system. Ayurvedic acupuncture should perhaps be
Kalari Shastras
taught as a post-graduate Ayurvedic course in the West.

Drs. Vasant Lad and David Frawley explain it well when they state:
"Ayurveda means The Science of Lill It is a science of living that encom-

passes the whole of life, and which relates the life of the individual to that
of the universe. As such it is open to and includes all life, and all methods
that bring us into greater harmony with life. It is one with all life, a knowledge
that belongs to all living beings-not a system imposed upon them, but a
resource to be drawn upon freely and to be adapted to the unique needs of
the individual in his or her panicular environment." 22
Notes:
1. Acupuncture) p. 1.
2. Science and Secrets of Early Medicine) p. 206.
3. Acupuncture Marma and Other Asian Therapeutic Techniques) pp. iv-v.
4. Charaka Samhitta) p. 412.
5. A Modern Guide to Ear Acupuncture) p. 187.
6. Charaka) p. xxi
7. Links Between Ayureveda and Acupuncture) p. 1.
8. Donden) p. 7.
9. Ibid.) p. 25.
10. Charaka) p. 457.
11. Acupuncture Marma and Other Asian Therapeutic Techniques) p. 37.
12. Acupuncture Marma) pp. 4-5.
13. Links Between Acupuncture and Ayurveda) p. 7.
14. Charaka Samhitta) p. 173
15. Ibid.) p. 177.
16. Light on Pranayama) p. 33.
17. Charaka Samhitta, Vol. II VII) pp. 454-455.
18. Ayurveda for Mother and Child) p. 156.
20. Modern Guide to Ear Acupuncture) p. 4.
21. Callinan) Australian Wellbeing Vol. 31.
22. yoga of Herbs) p. 2.
CHAPTER II
PART I
THE FIVE ELEMENTS
Ayurveda recognizes five physical elements which are part of
everything. Each object is different because it possesses the elements
in varying ratios in comparison to other objects. These Five Elements
called Pancha Mahabhutas (the Five Great Elements) are the underly-
ing elements of all structures. Some of these are very physical like water
and earth} others are less physical like fire, wind or ether.
A rock} for instance, has a majority of earth} but it also must have
a certain amount of water to provide cohesion between the earth
particles. It also has fire (probably received from the Sun) which baked
it into shape. Without fire, the rock would be totally freezing in
temperature. Likewise, since science believes that nothing is solid but
that atomically every solid substance has gaps between the particles}
there must Similarly be air within the particles of the rock. So a rock}
like other objects} contains these five elements.
A living being, that is an animal or human} has an additional
element to the five already mentioned. That is the element of Prana
or bio-energy. It is this energy which proVides life and animation to
the object. A dead animal has therefore lost this essentiallife-energ})
although the other five still remain in one form or another.
Essentiall)-) Prana is the first universal energetic element which pro-
vides and supports life. Just as electricity (energy) requires a conduit
by which to work (cable)} so does Prana (bio-energy) require a physical
conduit (body) which is made up of the Five Elements.
Einstein explained by his famous equation of E=MC2 that energy
and matter are interchangeable, matter being a more compressed form
of energy. Mattet; therefore, vibrates at a different frequency to energy;
but both have similar origins.
Ayurveda also explains that everything started in energy (prana) and
that through a process of creation} the other five (matter) elements
13
were created. So that energy and matter are simply different frequen-
cies of the same primordial energy (Prana).
Ayurveda maintains that the soul contains Prana and has traditional-
ly interchanged these two terms.
Although this concept made no difference when religion and
medicine were intertwined in the ancient days) there is a reason to-
day for separating the connotation of the soul (which can be construed
as a religiOUS concept) from the idea of Prana (bio-energy). These two
appear to have a common denominator but they are both different
aspects of human life.
Dr. Bhagwan Dash explains that Prana is life-energy) and it must
be present at the point of birth. Yet he also states that according to
Vagbhata) the soul enters the human fetus during the fifth month of
pregnancy. 1 That is five months after the fetus has received Prana.
So it is logical that Prana and the Soul are two different) although
related entities. Charaka) the ancient Ayurvedic master explained the
soul (consciousness) as Prana and vice-versa. This is what he says about
the subject:
"The Soul [including Prana}, first of all unttes with Ether lakasha! before
uniting with the other elements [bhutas} ... whose attnbutes are more and
more mantfested successively.112
Creation Of The Cosmos

According to Ayurveda) the combination of Prana (energy) and Ether
(matter called Akasha) created movement) for energy needs matter
for physical action to occur. Electricity needs a cable to be conducted
to the light globe.
Ayurveda calls this action or movement Wind (Vayul; since wind
has the characteristic of movement. Through Wind (or movement)
against matte~ friction arose which caused Fire (heat). This Fire heated
some of the matter particles to the point of melting (liquefaction) and
thereby caused Water to flow. The combination of water with matter
formed a solidification later resulting in Earth. The cosmos was then
fully formed.
The Five Elements 15
Human Creation
Besides the creation of the cosmos by Prana via the Five Elements
(Pancha Mahabhutas)) the process of creation appears each time a baby
is born. This is termed the Wheel of Creation) where each element
successively allows the creation of a living being. Charaka once again
describes this cycle or wheel when he states:
"TIle embryo is fonned by the five mahabhutas [elements} viz. Ether, Wind,
Fire; Water and Earth and It serves as a receptacle of consciousness. In fact,
the Soul (I.e. conscious element [inc. Frana}) constitutes the sixth element
responsIble for the formation of the embryo.""
Consequently, Charaka explains that there are six elements) Ether)

Wind) Fire) Water) Earth and Prana. The five physical elements then
serve as a receptacle for Prana or life energy and subsequently for the
conscious element or soul (the latter being received at the fifth month
of pregnancy).
Energy (Prana) is bestowed the function of driving force or positive
action in the body. Prana like electricity is the one that flows through
the body and is regarded as the positive side of the equation.
Ether) on the other hand) is the first physical element which inter-
faces directly with Prana (according to Charaka) and is therefore con-
sidered the negative force or part of the equation. Just like a battery
needs a positive and a negative terminal to be functional) so too
Prana(+) and Ether (Akasha)(-) are needed. Ayurveda believes that a
human male has more positive energy than a female who then has
more negative energy than the male. Consequently, more males suffer
heart attacks (related to positive/heat energy) than the females) who
suffer more nervous disorders (negative energy). The male is considered
more Pitta (positive energy) while the female is considered more
KaphaNata (negative energy).
In the process of human reproduction Prana {+ } (male) joins with
Ether {-} (female) by coitus. Through the movement of coitus which
is related to Wind) friction arises which causes heat/perspiration etc.
which is related to Fire. When orgasm occurs semen is ejaculated
(Water). This semen then joins the ovum to form a zygote-(concep-

tion) which is the process of solidification (Earth).
ELEMENT OCCURRENCE
Prana (+) Male
Ether (-) Akasha Female
Wind Coition (movement)
Fire Orgasm (friction)
Water Ejaculation (semen) liquefaction
Earth Conception (zygote) solidification
The elements} appearance is therefore from the least physical (more

subtle) Ether} to the most physical} that is Earth.
The Wheel of Creation represents not only the formation of the
cosmos and the process of childbirth} but also the creation of the Five
Elements themselves. Prana or elementary life energy therefore under-
writes all of lifes processes.
Creation of the Three Humors

Each element thus appeared in a certain sequence} referred to as the
Wheel of Creation. This also led to the creation of other physical forces
and organs in the human body. As Dr. David Frawley explams:
"The phYSIcal body is a manifestatIOn of our hfe-force [Prana); Imbalances
lIZ the hfe-force produce disease. The bIOlogical humors [Vata, PUta, Kaphal
are merely three dIfferent statuses or onentatlOns of the !tfe-force."l
VATA
The combination of Ether and Wind (via Prana) caused a type of
energy or humor to be created. This is termed Vata which is related
to the word Vayu or Wind. Vata is the most subtle humor and is
normally involved in most physical maladies} because being closer
to the source of energy} it is easier to unbalance. Vata is considered
the catabolic humor.
Professor Dr. PH. Kulkarni explains that iiAbnormal Vata humor

has been described as the main cause for all diseases in the body) S
Vata has certain physical characteristics) so that when it becomes
unbalanced) these show up as dryness (of skin and other parts) and
anxiety) nervous reactions) especially aggravated by cold wind. Most
Vata disorders first appear below the navel as this is the site of this
humor (see Fig. 1). Vata) like the other two humors) is inherited so
that a person may be prone to certain Vata disorders unless preven-
tive measures are taken. By thiS) Vata is also a constitution) with a
proneness to certain diseases.
PITTA
The next two elements to appear-Fire and Water-equate with
the formation of Pitta) the Ayurvedic heat humor. Pitta is really Prana
plus Fire and Water since the bio-energy is required at all stages of life.
Pitta is the second most subtle humor and is involved in metabolism
or formation since fire tends to shape things. Pitta is the metabolic
humor and is related to the hormonal system.
Pitta is the middle humor and as such involves heat which is essen-
tially obtained from combustion during digestion. Pitta imbalances
can be recognized due to redness) heat) rashes and inflammation of
various parts of the body.
KAPHA
The last two elements are Water and Earth. These two (with Prana)
form the Kapha humor which deals with growth (anabolism) in the
body The combination of water and earth results in mud and so when
Kapha is aggravated) loose joints can occur and weight can eaSily be
gained (fat is much like water and earth).
Kapha is translated by Charaka as iiphlegm) (water and earth) so
that its imbalance may result in heaViness) congestion and lack of flow.
Kapha represents growt:h:, sometimes through muscles and sometimes
through excess fat. ObeSity is therefore a Kapha disorder. Excessive
muscle size (e.g. induced by anabolic steroids) is also a Kapha disorder
STOMACH
(~')
\0'
Kaplia
Water G Earth
\ J
SMALL INTESTINE
Pltta(~"
water~'I'
I
Fire G . I
"' ..
LARGE INTESTINE
<~~'I
Val4
Air G Ether i\" CJ
\
Fig. 1 Sites of the three humors (Tridoshas)

while abundance of hair is usually a Kapha feature. Kapha is normally

regarded as centering above the breathing diaphragm or area of the
chest. As such, Ayurveda regards this area as the Kapha area and many
Kapha disorders originate there. Phlegm is a human secretion which
is connected with Kapha.
Ayurveda classifies the organs and tissues according to the Five

Elements. For instance, due to the fact that bile, blood and urine con-
tain much water, these three have a strong obvious relationship with
the Water element (jala). Some organs, like the small intestine, the
stomach, urinary and gall bladders and the large intestine are con-
sidered hollow organs (iicontaining space"). They are therefore
classified as ethereal organs since Ether is also translated as iispace".
Bones and muscles are considered Earth tissues, since they are solid
structures, a feature of the Earth element. This is the simple basis by
which many ideas are explained.
Besides this idea, Ayurveda also explains that each major organ (and
tissue) of the body is also related to one of the Five Elements in a
sophisticated and logical form, since without the elements, these
organs etc. would not exist. The relationship between them is not
only of a simple, physically obvious nature but it also encompasses
connection via the subtle body, via the Nadis or bio-energy channels.
FIRE (Tela)
The element of Fire provides shaping of a substance but it has no
physical form. When the fuel is removed, fire tends to go out. Fur-
thermore you are neither able to grasp fire nor retain it without fuel.
Ayurveda classifies the small intestine (S.L) as a hollow organ and
the primary site of aggravation when Pitta (the heat humor) becomes
unbalanced. It is in this organ that Pitta problems usually originate
and then migrate to other parts of the body to where they reflect
Pitta's characteristic morbidity.
The Pitta humor is considered in Ayurveda as haVing Fire and Water
in greater proportion than the other three elements. The main
characteristic of this humor is not fluid retention caused by a bUildup

of water but rather heat. Ayurveda calls this heat Fire. The main
protagonist in Pitta is therefore fire} which represents all things of a
hot nature; whether they be hyperacidity} red rashes or inflamma-
tion. The small intestine} the site of Pitta; has therefore a subtle con-
nection with the Fire element; through its Pitta characteristics.
Ayurveda also relates that Agni} the digestive heat; is found in the small
intestine.
Ayurveda considers the blood to be primarily a Pitta tissue. Blood

and blood vessels have a strong relationship with Pitta and therefore
with Fire; Pitta}s main and primary element. Pitta or heat is carried
by the blood to all parts of the body. There is one organ whose main
function is to pump blood around the body; it controls the flow of
blood. Its interaction with blood and Pitta is undeniable. This organ
is the heart.
Dr. David Frawley explains that heart attacks relate to Pitta which
obviously relate to the Fire element:
"In the Ayurvedlc assoCIation of Pitta (fIre) with the blood; heart disease,
particularly heart attacks and strokes; IS commonly a Pitta dIsorder. The [per-
son} who suddenly dIes of a heart attack; IS typIcally a Pitta person who
dentes hIS true heart."6
It is obvious then} that the small intestine and the heart are two Pitta-
related organs. ConsequentlJi both of these organs have a fundamental
connection with the Fire element. In Ayurvedic acupuncture} where
this knowledge is absolutely necessaTJ) the interconnection between
the heart and small intestine as Fire and Pitta organs; is important.
EARTH (Prithvi)
The Earth element is the solid state of matter and the basis on which
most physical things are built. It proVides stability and allows growth.
The Earth element is a major component of the Kapha humor.
The Kapha humor is aggravated in the stomach according to classical
Ayurveda. When Kapha is aggravated; the stomach is the site of
accumulation) and later migrating to other sites of the body where

it reproduces its characteristic symptoms of morbidity. For example)
phlegm (earth + water) first accumulates in the stomach and later
attacks the lungs and respiratory system.
Kaphers main attributes or characteristics are heaviness) congestion
and lack of flow. Picture a pipe carrying water to a distant location.
Then gradually add more and more Earth or (sand) to the water. The
flow will gradually be restricted and congestion will set in. The total
Weight of the pipe and contents will increase dramatically due to the
excess earth (heaviness). There will also be a lack of flow of water
through the pipe. These characteristics were not created by water)
which would allow free flow but rather by earth. Earth causes con-
gestion when there is more of it than water. This results in rigidity
and lack of flow.
So too) Kaphers main protagonist is Earth. Kapha is made up of Earth
(and water) so that if Kapha originates in the stomach) then the
stomach must also be related to the Earth element (which is a part
of phlegm) anyway).
The spleen is regarded in many cases as a Pitta organ because it re-
tains blood so as to supply it in an emergency (e.g. hemorrhaging).
The truth is that the spleen is an Earth element related organ since
it controls muscle growth and in conjunction with the pancreas (which
controls fat growth)) both relate to Kapha. It is well known that the
pancreas affects sugar levels in the body. An imbalance in any of these
three organs results in a Kapha disorder) either excess muscle) excess
fat or excess phlegm. This idea is validated by Ayurvedic pulse
diagnosis where the common connection of Earth places the spleen
and stomach at the same radial artery position. The stomach is
detected by superfiCial pressure of the middle finger) while the spleen
and pancreas are detected by deep pressure at the same position.
Dr. Lad fully elucidates this concept in his book Ayurveda/ The Science
of Self-Healing Also) the spleen is anatomically positioned on the left
side of the body, the negative Kapha side according to Ayurveda) while
the liver is placed on the right) positive Pitta side of the body.
WIND (Uzyu)
The Ayurvedic concept of Wind is that of air which creates move-
~ent. It is not one of stagnant air. Wind is the gaseous state of mat-
ter. Air consists of Prana, mostly carried by oxygen molecules and
is the energy which keeps everything alive. Like every other object
i in the universe, it also consists of Ether which is the physical space
or matrix in which to house Prana. Ether's primary qualities are
somewhat akin to space and matter.
We prefer to call this element Wind instead of air because the former
has an attribute of movementj whereas the latter can be stagnant.
These two terms are often interchangeable in Ayurveda.
Air is breathed in through the lungs, so this organ must be related
to the Wind element. Prana also enters the lungs via the air which
is inhaled and is then distributed throughout the body. One of the
meanings of Prana (from ''ani; meaning to breathe) is "breathing".
Prana, carried by air outside and within the body is referred to as Vayu,
which means Wind.
Another way that Prana enters the body is via fresh foods like fruits
and vegetables since plants like humans also utilize Prana. The large
intestine is the site where Ayurveda believes that Prana from foods
is extracted and absorbed into the body. The large intestine is also the
site where wind (abdominal gas) is generated and from where it is
expelled.
Ayurvedic physician Dr. Robert Svoboda says that:
"We obtain Prana from our atmosphere and from our food. Prana is the
life force; oxygen is one of its carrier substances. Breathing [correctly} recharges
Prana Immediately Prana IS absorbed from the colon [large tntestinej."7
So consequently the lung and large intestine energetically connected

together are related to Wind (and Prana) and:
"Pathologies in the lungs and large intestine are often related, balanctng
one of these organs can benefit the other."g
Wind is the element of movement and directly affects and is

affected by the lung and large intestine. As a consequence) it affects

the nerves as well) so that a person with excess Wind element in their
system can be eaSily agitated by a cold wind.
WATER Uala)
The Water element is extremely important) for itallows correct flow
within the body. The human body is composed of approximately
70% water. Water proVides cohesion for the other elements and by
itself is not stable.
Water is also a medium for Frana. Rain water collects Frana as it
falls from the clouds. Dr. Svoboda says that li water also carries
Frana:) 8 The flow of Frana through the body resembles the flow of
water) which is the element of flux.
Although some of the water is excreted by the body via the skin
during perspiration) most of it is removed from the body by the
kidneys (and urinary bladder). The kidney and the Water element
must therefore be interrelated. Water forms an important part of Kapha
along with Earth so that when water is retained in the body (fluid
retention)) another type of Kapha imbalance is formed. It may cause
looseness of body joints) perhaps in the knees and ankles) and generally
will result in congestion.
Of course) the function of the kidneys is not only to retain water
(fluid) in the body when desired or when there is an imbalance) but
also it has a very strong function of removing water (via urine) when
there is excess. For instance) in summer) when heat is great) water is
retained naturally in the body to reduce the body temperature to its
balance position (37 0 C). In winter) when there is excess cold) the
body (via the kidneys) will eliminate excess water in order to increase
the body temperature to its balance position.
So the kidneys have a dual role) one of retaining water in the
body which equates to Kapha and one of eliminating water where
necessary, which equates to Vata (dryness). Of course an imbalance
in the kidneys can result in either Vata or Kapha symptoms) depend-
ing on whether there is an excess or deficiency of water in the body.
The urinary bladder is the hollow sack which receives urine from
the kidneys after this organ has filtered impurities and water from the
blood. The urinary bladder and the kidney not only have a strong
interrelationship due to the anatomical connection between them (by
the pipes known as the ureters), but also due to their energy connec-
tion via the Water element.
ETHER (Akasha)
Ether is the most subtle of the Five Elements. Ether (Akasha) not
only means space and matter but it is also translated as:
iiETHER (Greek = atther = to burn) an invisible substance
postulated as pervading space and transmitting radiant energy!' ~
Ether is the most difficult element to come to terms with in
Ayurveda. Since one of the meanings of Akasha (Ether) is {{sound'~
then it is normal for Ayurveda to relate it to Vata (the Wind humor)
which also relates to sound. In order to prevent any confusion from
arising, it should be made clear that Ether does indeed directly relate
to Vata. It is one of the two main elements of Vata, along with Wind.
Dr. R. Svoboda describes Ether as: "the field from which everythmg IS
manifested and Into which everything returns; the space m which events
IIIIJ
OCCUr.
Dr. Bhagwan Dash and Professor Manfred Junius describe Akasha
(Ether) from the Sanskrit "rool: Kash 5 'to radiate; that which does not pro-
vide reslstance. 1111
The English word Ether is used as a direct translation from the San-
skrit because of the true reflection of its Ayurvedic meaning. It ex-
hibits the same qualities which the ancients regarded as Akasha. On
the one hand, Ether has cold and dry attributes, on a par with the
Vata humor. On the other hand, it also has a potential energy which,
when released, can {{radiate" and become totally different from its
previous qualities.
In chemistry, ether is related to alcohol) an organic compound ob-

tained from ethanol and sulfuric acid and which was used as an
anesthetic. Ethanol is a colorless) flammable alcohol and as such direct-
ly relates to Ether. AlcohoFs qualities) on its own (when in a jar)) are
cooling and drying. By plaCing a small quantity of alcohol on the skin)
these two qualities become fully evident. A dry, cool feeling is notic-
ed around the area.
Liver Fire (BhutaAgnO

AlcohoFs other quality is one of heating, since when it is lit by a
match) it will ignite brightly and release heat. In the human body,
Ether is affected by 37° C. of heat which is the bodis normal inter-
nal temperature. This temperature would be considered high if out-
side of the body (environmental weather). This heat (which is found
firstly in the small intestine and called Agni) tends to heat up the Ether.
Later) when the Ether element (e.g. from food) is digested and
transformed in the liver into body-type Ether) the BhutaAgnis (the
Five Element Fires) ignite this Ether to produce heat in the liver. Since
Ether) like timber) is the only one of the Five Elements which has the
potential to ignitt; it loses its cold attributes when digested in the body
Ether therefore) relates to Pitta) the heat humor) while the liver (and
its related gallbladder) is a Pitta organ.
The main effect of alcohol (and Ether) is one of drying as when
alcohol is consumed by a person. The after -effect of alcohol tends to
be extreme thirst iiin the morning!!. A secondary but most impor-
tant after-effect is the destruction of the liver by prolonged use of
alcohol) causing cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Consequently, alcohol
(and ether) causes dryness (like Vata) but also causes heat (like Pitta).
Ether has a cool and dry effect as part of Vata) due to its connec-
tion with iispace and matter!!) but it also has a heating quality which
is released in the body by the liver) and is related to Pitta. Bilt; a product
released by the liver and stored in the gall bladder is) in fact) one of
the translations of Pitta. Dr. Vasant Lad confirms that the liver and
Pitta are related on page 42) in Ayurveda- The Science Of Self-Healing.
The Five Elements described herein are the underlying basis of all
things and along with Prana) explain Ayurvedic acupuncture. Each
humor) tissue) organ) etc. therefore has a relationship with the Five
Elements and Prana.
Interestingly, although the Five Elements have been recorded in
Ayurveda since time immemorial) and are extremely important for
a true understanding of Ayurvedic acupuncture) they seem to have
been missing from Chinese medicine until late in the third century BC
Experts in Oriental medicine and its history, Professor P. Huard) pro-
fessor at the Medical Faculty, Paris and Dr. Ming Wong, of the Medical
Faculty at Rennes) are both members of the International Academy
of the History of Medicine and are leading authorities on Eastern
Medicine.
Professor Huard and Dr. Wong in their book Chinese Medicme state:
"From this period onwards [circa 300 B.C} China borrowed from India and
Iran. Thus Tsou ~n (c. 305-240 B.C) introduced to the Far fAst the Idea
of the fIve elements, their mutual genesis and destruction, afrer whIch the
Chinese medIcal system was built upon the doctrine of the elements." 1"
Also they mention that prior to this period) Chinese medicine func-
tioned mainly by the basic concept of the two opposites and not by
the Five Elements. This duality concept) although called Yin and Yang
in Chinese) was also shared by most other cultures including India
and Egypt) since most knew the natural concepts of Sun-Moon) light-
dark) male-female) left-right) etc. In India) this interrelationship be-
tween all things is termed Dvandva (or duality) and has formed part
of Ayurveda.
"The Chinese hypotheses [prior to Tsou ~nl referred only to the two prin-
Ciples and eIght tnagrams to account for the perpetual transformation of thlllgs.
Tsou ~n tried to amalgamate Ideas of Chinese Origin with new Western
notIons whIch he probably receIved from Indian travellers, that of the fIve
elements and thm gyratIOn and of the reCIprocal destructton and genesIs of
the fll'e fhllUral agents." I,
According to Chinese experts] the earliest record of medicine in

China in which acupuncture and the Five Elements are mentioned
is from about the period of Tsou Yen. This was after a huge influx
into the country of Indian ideas and philosophies brought about by
a vital movement of a new Indian religious philosophy- Buddhism
(c. 563 B.c.). This tends to reaffirm the above facts.
"TIle earftest extant medical classIc In China, Huangdi Neijing (Canon

of MedlClI1e) was comptfed between 500-300 B.C The book, which con-
SiSts of two parts, desCrIbes the baSIC theories of traditional Chinese medicine,
such as yin-yang the five elements, solid-hollow organs, channels. "1·\
For the last two thousand years or so] the Chinese have used the
concepts of Ayurveda] integrating them into their system of medicine.
Today] it has become an homogenous whole. Their efforts in
popularizing these concepts throughout the ancient Orient are
renowned] in much the same way they did with Buddhism (Zen).
Countries like Japan] Korea] Vietnam and most others in the Orient
have gready benefitted from the desire to spread these concepts beyond
their own borders. In more recent times] they have been very influen-
tial in spreading the doctrine of oriental medicine] specifically acupunc-
ture] to most corners of the West and have helped the cause of natural
therapies and their general acceptance throughout the world. The
Chinese people are therefore to be wholeheartedly congratulated.
Ayurvedic acupuncture can only be truly explained by a knowledge
of the Five Elements] since they also demonstrate the connection be-
tween each organ] e.g. Wind-Lung/Large Intestine. The elements also
explam why the organ channels are located where they are along the
body. For instance] the Wind element explains that the Lung chan-
nel and the Large Intestine channel (nadis) must be located along the
same limb] since they are interrelated. Also] the elements explain the
radial pulses as found in Ayurveda and its related Tibetan medical
system. It is by Wind that the lung and large intestine can be detected
on the same radial position by the same index finger. Since the
elements are the basis of all things) then it is logical that their actions
and interactions (Wheels) explain Ayurveda and acupuncture.
PART II
ELEMENT SYNDROMES
Imbalances of the Five Elements in the human body can produce
various signs and symptoms according to the elemenes characteristics
or attributes called Guna-Dvandva (duality of attributes). Guna-
Dvandva is described by Charaka) the ancient Ayurvedic physician
in his text (XXVI [lOl\ which outlines ten pairs of said attributes by
which to diagnose and treat patients.
For instance) dryness of the skin can be treated by its opposite
quality-Oiliness. A hot type of syndrome (Pitta) can be reduced by
its opposite-coldness (Kapha).
The Element syndromes are symptoms which explain medical im-
balance or disease. It often occurs prior to a full-blown disease and
therefore can form a very important part of prevention.
Fire
An imbalance in Fire generally means too much Fire (or heat) exists
in the body. When this occurs) symptoms like hyperacidit)j high blood
heat) red skin rashes) inflamed tissues or jOints) excessive perspiration)
fever) irritabilit)j yellow urine and excessive thirst may be evident. This
condition has similar characteristics to a Pitta disorder) since Pitta
contains heat.
A deficiency of Fire in the body would allow coldness to set in and
demonstrate paleness of skin etc. The digestive fire (Agni) would
similarly suffe~ thus causing malabsorption of nutrients and accumula-
tion of toxins (Ama) in the body.
Element Syndromes 29
Earth
An excess of Earth would mean coldnessJ congestionJ rigidityJ
heaviness and lack of flow. Symptoms include lethargyJ loss of
appetiteJ heaviness in limbsJ lack of circulation and rigidity of jointsJ
pallorJ nausea and excess sleeping. This is similar to a high Kapha
(Earth) imbalance.
A deficiency of Earth on the other hand would cause muscles to
lose their toneJ bones to lose calcium and become weak. Generally
the body structure would lose its strength. This would equate with
a high Vata condition
Wind
An imbalance in the function of Wind would allow excess dryness
of the skin; other tissues and joints; coldness and high sensitivity to
wind J lack of circulation due to drying of moisture in the blood J ab-
dominal distentionJ constipation; fear; fatigue, insomnia; spasmsJ bor-
borygmusJ pain and stiffness of jointsJ lower back pains and dry
coughs.
A defiCiency of Wind would result in loss of PranaJ congestion and
waterlogging. The symptoms would be similar to a high Kapha
imbalance.
Water
An excess of Water would allow water-logging of the tissues and
joints. There would also be an increase in heaviness of the limbsJ
bloating, increased salivation; phlegm; productive coughsJ glands
which are swollenJ the swelling of joints and low fevers.
Ether
The Ether described in these syndromes relates to Pitta; where an
excess would affect the liver and produce bitter taste in the mouth.
Also anger; conjunctivitis; bilious vomiting and diarrhea with burn-
ing feelings would reflect an excess of Ether..
A deficiency of Ether or energy in the liver can cause a loss of bile

and digestive disorders.
Where Ether is described as cold and dry, the symptoms would be
like Yata disorders.
Notes:
1. Ayurveda For Mother And Chdd, p. 9.
2. Charak£i Samhttta, p. 390.
3. Ibid., p. 388.
4. Ayurvedic Healing, p. 108.
5. Kulkarni, p. 9.
6. Ayurvedlc Healing, p. 170.
7. Svoboda, p. 124.
8. Prakruu- your Ayurvedic Constitution, p. 124.
9. Collins Australtan Dictionary.
10. Prakruti- your Ayurvedlc COnStltutlOn, p. 17
11. A Handbook of Ayurveda, p. 14.
12. Chmese Med,cine, p. 12.
13. Ibid., pp. 88-89,
14. Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture, pp. 5-6.
CHAPTER III
THE BIO-ENERGY CHANNELS

CHANNELS (Nadis)
The type of channel which Ayurveda calls Srota differs from a Nadi
in that the former is a pipe or channel which carries mostly physical
fluids W<e blood) plasma) lymph) etc. (e.g. arteries) lymph ducts)) while
the latter is a conduit or duct for the flow of subtle Prana or life energy.
The Nadis (or subtle channels)) haVing a direct relationship with Prana)
modify the flow of fluids through the gross channels or Srotas in a
parallel fashion. When the Nadis) energy flow is impaired) the Srota's
flow will Similarly be affected. The Charaka Samhitta refers to the Srotas
as the iichannels of circulatiorr'j also denoting them as gross chan-
nels in contrast with the Nadis.
Professor Dr. PH. Kulkarni) Poona University Research Guide
explains:
"nle concept of [Prame} meridians runs parallel with the yogic Nadls
[channels} rather than the Srotas. Some of the Chakras described tn f0ga
may also have tnteresttng correlations with acupuncture meridians and
POtntS."i
Dr. Kim Bong Han) from the North Korean University of Pyongang
found after extensive research that the energy channels are composed
of a speCial type of histological tissue as yet not noticed by Science
but which proVides a pathway for life-energy. Dr. Kim adds that the
channels have a thin membranous wall and contain transparent and
colorless liqUid.
Restriction of Prana through the nadis will result in the impedance
in the flow of fluids through the srota channels. So that the under-
lying fault in most diseases is a malfunction in the flow of Prana. Prana)
life-energy, is a component of the Vata humor and it is indeed Prana
working through the body (akasha) which is termed Vata. It is through
the medium of the external Vayu or Wind that Prana enters the body
to become Vata humor.
31
"Abnormal \Mta humor has been described as the main cause for all diseases
in the body The therapeutic efficacy of Acupuncture will thus be required
to be considered in the light of abnormal \Mta humor In various diseases."2
Pitta and Kapha are totally lame humors (or forces) without the
assistance of Vata (containing Prana) in the body. Vata equates with
movement and it forces the other two opposites-Pitta (heat) and
Kapha (cold)-to move and perform) just like the wind forces fire and
water (sea and rain) to move about. The Nadi and Prana concepts are
also still retained in the ancient science of Yoga and forms a very im-
portant and integral part of its philosophy. Dr. Vasant Lad says:
'The beats of the pulse reveal something about the important meridians
{nadl channels} that are connecting Pranic currents of energy In the body
passing through the vital organs such as the liver, kidney etc.""
We have previously confirmed that each major organ in the body

is related to another one via one of the Five Elements. The organs
(heart and small intestine) are interrelated through the connection of
the Fire element and the nadis or channels which emanate from both
organs. Prana leaves the heart (a solid organ) and travels through the
Heart channel to connect with the Small Intestine channel. The Small
Intestine channel then appropriately connects with another channel
to continue the free flow of Prana throughout the body. These chan-
nels which relate to each of the twelve organs) form a loop (or daisy
chain) so that Prana continues its circulation through the body) com-
pleting its journey every twenty-four hours.
The channels (nadis) are located in the body according to a logical
scheme) a natural law at work (see Fig. 2). These channels are posi-
tioned in the body according to two criteria.
1. The organ's physical position in the human trunk if the organ is
a solid (major) type.
2. The location is according to the organ's element connection if the
organ is a hollow type.
There are six organs which Ayurveda regards as solid) totally essen-
tial and cannot be removed from the body (today they may be
The Bio-Energy Channels 33
(~i'.·.
r ':
, /
PITTA
VATA
VATA KAPHA
Fig. 2 The organ channels and their relationship with Tridoshas

transplanted). They are the heart) lung, kidney) liver) spleen (also pan-
creas) and pericardium (more of this organ later). The physical
anatomical positions of these organs correlate to the physical posi-
tion of their channels in the body. Where one of these six organs is
located above the breathing diaphragm) protected by the rib cage
(thorax\ its channel is Similarly located above the diaphragm. In this
case) the channels then meander from their related organs along the
arm (upper limb) to reach the fingers.
Where the organ is anatomically positioned below the diaphragm)
its related channel is located along the lower limb-the leg.
Of the six solid organs described above) three are located in the
thoracic area (above the diaphragm). These are the heart) lung and
pericardium (which surrounds the heart). Their channels are then
located along the arm.
The three remaining solid organs below the thorax are the liver)
kidney and spleen. Their channels must logically be found meander-
ing along the lower limb-the leg.
The six hollow organs have their channels according to the organs
element connection. The small intestine; which relates to the element
of Fire) has its channel adjacent to the Heart channel) along the arm.
The heart is another Fire organ.
The large intestine is related to the element of Wind and consequent-
ly its channel is located adjacent to the other Wind organ-the lung,
which has its channel along the arm. This scheme applies to the other
organs which Similarly are related to the elements. Their description
follows in the chart below:
Above Diaphragm Arm Channel Element

Solid Organ related Hollow Organ
Heart Small Intestine Fire
Lung Large Intestine Wind
Pericardium TriDosha (3D) ,«later
Below Diaphragm Leg Channel Element

Soltd Organ related Hollow Organ
Liver Gallbladder Ether
Spleen Stomach Earth
Kidney Bladder Water
CHANNELS-HUMORS CORRELATION
There is another very important reason why certain channels are
positioned along the arm and yet others are found along the leg. This
reason deals with the Ayurvedic concept of the three humors) Vata)
Pitta and Kapha.
Along the arm) there must be a channel which directly deals with
and affects Vata. Likewise, there must also be a channel which is related
to Pitta and another to Kapha. Since there are six channels along the
arm and six along the leg, there must be two channels which deal
with each of the three humors. In other words) the solid and hollow
organ channels found along a limb must mutually represent each of
the three humors.
It is interesting to note that Charaka mentioned the whole body
must receive Vata) Pitta and Kapha (in balanced proportions)) since
if this did not occur) no function or life would be present:
"Vata, Fllla and Kizpha move all over the body; hence all the channels
of the body cater to their needs for movement.")
HUMORAL CHANNELS IN ARM

Vata
Vata is represented in the arm by the Lung and Large Intestine chan-
nels) which are the solid and hollow Wind organs (Vata). These two
organs are classified as primary Vata organs.
Pitta
Pitta is demonstrated by the organs which relate to Fire) a Pitta
element) which are the Heart (solid organ) and the Small Intestine
(hollow organ) channels. These two organs are classified as primary
Pitta organs.
Kapha
Kapha in the arm is related to the organs; which are the pericardium
(solid) and the Tridosha (hollow); since both of these organs deal with
flow of fluids through the body. These are both Kapha related chan-
nels in the arm.
HUMORAL CHANNELS IN LEG

Vata
Vata is upheld in the leg by the Vata secondary type organs; which
are the Kidney and the Bladder channels. These two have an
undeniable connection with Vata since they are normally involved
in Vata imbalances. These two organs have their channels along the
leg.
Pitta
In the leg, Pitta is represented by the Liver and Gallbladder chan-
nels; both well-known Pitta organs. The channels are located in the
leg to channel or control Pitta. The liver and gallbladder are considered
secondary Pitta organs.
Kapha
In the leg, Kapha is represented by the Spleen (solid) and Stomach
(hollow) organ channels due to Kaphis undeniable connection with
Earth. In this case; these two are primary Kapha organs.
Inside-Outside Channels
The channels which relate to the solid organs; like the heart; liver;
spleen; kidney and lung are located on the inside part of the limb;
whether it is the leg or arm. The hollow organs; as in the large in-
testine; bladder; gallbladder; stomach and small intestine; have their
channels along the outside of the arm or leg.
Ayurveda explains that the stomach; small intestine and large in-
testine (hollow organs) are readily available to the outside world. Food
normally enters these organs before nutrients can reach the others.
Consequently, they are regarded as external organs and their chan-

nels are external channels. This means they are located on the out-
side of the limb (e.g back of the hand area of the arm). The solid ones
are located on the inside area, e.g. the palm side of the arm.
OTHER PRANIC CHANNELS

In Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga, there are literally thousands of
minor nadi channels described. These connect with every structure
of the body (including each cell) so as to supply the life energy, Prana,
in order for living tissues to remain alive. Besides the channels which
can be freely needled (acupunctured) to produce a therapeutic effect,
there are others which perform various functions. These include the
Ida, Sushumna and Surya channels.
Chakras
There are also major junctions of some channels (nadis) in the body
which are called chakras.
literally, chakra means iithat which rotates)) and essentially means
a cycle or wheel. Chakras are energy fly-wheels found at various
strategic locations. The chakras have their own types of channels,
much like the acupuncture ones and are indeed related to them, yet
separate.
There are seven major chakras in the body, five along the middle
of the trunk and two on the head. There are also minor chakras at
the wrists, elbows, ankles and knees (Figs. 3 & 4).
The five chakras located in the trunk are associated with the Five
Elements in a direct relationship. The other two found in the head
area are directly linked with Prana-the subtle bio-energy.
Interestingly, the order of appearance of the chakras is according
to the Wheel of Creation, previously described, where each element
follows another, according to their characteristics. It was explained
that Prana occurs first, followed by Ether, Wind, Firt; Water and lastly
Earth. The chakras too, follow this order.
CHAKRA
POINTS
z
o
....c{
--"'-..cc-_ETHER 11.1
D::
U
o
&&.
~__ l--WIND
SOLAR PLEXUS
CHAKRA)
SACRAC~AKRA
! //
11
ROOT CHAKRA
1
MINOfl CHAKRA7
POINTS
~
Fig. 3 The Chakras and The Wheel of Creation
Figure 4 The Chakras and The Nadis

The chakras located on the head are found between the eyebrows
and on the crown. They deal with intelligence) perception and the
higher levels of the mind) a function of Prana.
Ajna Chakra
This is the so-called third eye located between the eyebrows. This
chakra is the seat of the mind and usually relates to spiritual desires
and aspirations. This is the site of Prana or primary energy of the body.
Sahasra Padma Chakra

This chakra is positioned in the middle of the crown and is inter-
related to the third eye. Both deal with the intellect and upper levels
of the mind. This is also the seat of Prana) as both of these chakras
are jOined.
Ether Chakra
The Ether chakra (Vissudhi) is found at the throat and sometimes
is referred to as the Throat chakra. Like the Ether element, it is located
at the first position along the Wheel of Creation) after Prana. Since
Ether is the most subtle of the Five Elements) it is lOgical that this would
be so. The Ether chakra contains Prana and consequently is related
to Vata and its related types of diseases. This chakra is also related
to the liver and gall bladder and can be involved in their dysfunctions.
Wind Chakra
The Wind chakra (Anahata) is positioned in the heart area (mid-
dle of both lungs) and is the seat of Wind. Consequently) it has an
energetic connection to the lung and large intestine and is related to
Wind dysfunctions.
Fire Chakra
The fire chakra (Manipura)) or third chakraJ is located down along
the trunk. It is positioned in the navel area and phYSically relates to
the small intestine and also the heart. It is energetically related to the
liver (via Pitta). Most Pitta humor dysfunctions are related to a malfunc-
tion in the Fire Chakra.
Water Chakra
The Water Chakra (Svadisthana) is the fourth and second to last
chakra. It is positioned just above the sex organs and is related to the
kidneys. Hence it also has a connection with the sexual system.
Physiologically) the Water chakra is involved in Kapha syndromes
as the source site of Water. Also this chakra has an effect on Vata and
its type of dysfunctions) especially when there is a lack of Water in
the body.
Earth Chakra
The Earth chakra (Muladhara) is found at the base of the spinal col-
umn and is the site of the element Earth. PhYSiologically, this chakra
is involved in Vata problems since its position is in the Vata portion
of the body. A lack of Earth can indeed result in a Vata disorder) as
in anemia being a lack of iron (Earth substance). Energetically, this
chakra also affects the spleen and stomach (and Kapha) as the source-
site of the element Earth.
In reality) the three lower chakras (Fire) Water) Earth) are directly
connected to dysfunctions of the three humors (Pitta) Vata and Kapha)
due to their ptysicallocations. On a subtle level) these also affect the
organs which are energetically connected with them.
Treatment of imbalances of the elements can be applied to the area
of the chakras. We may apply oils or even gems to these chakras to
effect healing. Also) Acupuncture (Bhedankarma) and Moxibustion
(Agnikarma) may be appropriate here.
Notes:
1. Lnles Between Ayurveda and kupuncture) p. 5.
2. [bui, p. 9.
3. Ayurvedtl- The SCience of S'elf-Healll1g) p. 56.
4. Charaka Samhltta V [6L p. 173.
CHAPTER IV
AYURVEDIC BIO-RHYTHMS
DISEASE RISK TIMES
Each humor or dosha has a specific time when it is most concen-
trated. It accumulates at specific times of the day, which in essence
allows a humor in the body to be aggravated at that time. An estab-
lished humoral dysfunction can then be made much worse during
this time.
Each humor has four hours when it is most active, and can then
demonstrate symptoms at that particular time. For instance, an
imbalance of Vata can cause insomnia in the early hours of the
moming. The patient may wake up at approximately 3-4 a.m. and
then find it difficult to go back to sleep.
Each humor tends to increase, reaches a peak and then slowly
decreases within a four hour span. A person with a humoral dys-
function, will find the symptoms worse during those four hours in
which the humor's energy is greatest.
The renowned ancient Ayurvedic physician Charaka made it clear
at what time of day or night we can expect to find humoral dys-
functions worse than others. Three thousand or more years ago, they
understood the Ayurvedic Bio-rhythms. Charaka states:
"Specific time for the aggravation, manifestation of diseases is determined

on the basis of the variations in seasons, timings of the daYt night and
intake of food." l
He also stated the particular times of day when each humor can
be unbalanced most and used the case of fever to illustrate these times:
"Uzta fever: Occurrence or aggravation of fever after the digestion of food

in the afternoon, [and} during dawn." 2
This tends to point to Vata being worse in the aftemoon-approx-
imately &om 3 p.m. to before dark (7 p.m.) and also before late morning
42
Ayurvedic Bio-Rhythms 43
(that is before 7 a.m')J during dawn.

"Pitta fever: Simultaneous manifestation or aggravation of fever in the entire
bodYt during the mid-day, [and) midnight.// 3
Pitta can therefore be aggravated twice during a twenty four hour
cycleJ once during mid-day (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and also during mid-
night (l1p.m. - 3a.m.).
"KtIpha fever: Simultaneous manifestation or aggravation of fever in the
entire bodYt during the fore-noon, [and} in the evening.//4
It is obvious then that Charaka outlined the period before noon (no
later than 11 a.m.) as the time of Kapha aggravation. He also men-
tioned the evening as another time of Kapha aggravation. This time
is between the end of Yata time (7 p.m.) and the beginning of night
Pitta time (11 p.m.). This similarly equates to four hours in which
Kapha can be aggravated in the morning (before noon) and in the
evening.
Accordingllj each humor may reflect its symptoms twice during
a twenty-four hour cyclt; for a length of four hours each. The Yata
period in the early hours of the day (3 a.m. -7 a.m.) has different type
of (Yata) symptoms to the Yata in the afternoon (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.). In
the morning, Yata is more powerful and deals with subtle problems
like insomnia and nervousnessJ while in the afternoon it generally
causes tiredness and exhaustion.
Pitta too has a superficial effect during noon as in skin rashesJ while
at night it demonstrates a deeper effect as in hyperacidity and ulcers.
Kapha in the morning is greatly provoked while at night it liquifies.
ORGAN ENERGY PEAK

There is a reason why the humors tend to be more aggravated at
specific times of the day or night. The humors tend to demonstrate
dysfunctions at these times principally because of what occurs in their
related organs.
Each organ is known to have two hours of greatest pranic activity.
That iSJ Prana commences to increast; reaches a pinnacle or peak and
then gradually decreases. All this occurs within two hours for the
one organ. Prana then travels to the next organ in line, begins to in-
crease, reaches a pinnacle and then decreases to then reach the next
organ. This process continues ad infinitum. It is because of this
increased pranic energy in the organ, that its related humor can be
easily unbalanced. For instanct; if Vata increases in the moming, this
is normally due to a Vata organ increasing in energy at that time. This
also applies for the other two humors-Pitta and Kapha.
Vata (Wind)
As mentioned by Charaka, Vata can be aggravated in the early mor-
ning. The lung and large intestine have already been explained as
relating to the Wind element. It is the pranic energy peaking in these
two organs at that time, that can cause Vata (wind) imbalances.
Kapha (Earth)
It is the Earth element -related organs of the stomach and spleen
which next receive Prana after Vata. These two organs tend to peak
prior to 11 a.m. (the start of Pitta). Charaka (XX) states that the "Stomach
and fat are the sites of Kapha/~ 5 This results in an undeniable connec-
tion between this organ (stomach) and Kapha and its subsequent
aggravation.
Pitta (Fire)
The heart and small intestine are the two Fire-related organs which
have their energy peaking between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the hottest
part of the day. It is then that Pitta dysfunctions tend to be more
prevalent.
Charaka states that "blood and the small intestine are the sites of Pitta.
116
The heart and the small intestine are therefore totally involved here.
Vata (deficient water)

The Vata related organs of the kidney and 'urinary bladder next
receive Prana and begin to peak from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., directly follow-
ing Pitta. Vata problems can then be highlighted at this time. Charaka
once again enlightens us when he simply states that:
"The urinary bladder [and consequently the kidney} and colon are the sites
of vtlta." 7
This points to the fact that not only the large intestine (colon) is
a site for Vata) but also that the bladder (and kidney) are sites too.
Kapha (Water)
The organs of the pericardium and the Tridosha tend to affect Kapha
in the evening between 7 p.m. and l1.p.m. These two will peak with
Prana during this time so that Kapha will tend to liquify and cause
Kapha-type symptoms.
Pitta (Ether)
The liver and gallbladder are Pitta organs according to Ayurveda.
They come under the auspices of the Ether element. These two organs
have pranic energy peaking between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Dr. Vasant Lad explains that anger can affect Pitta and various Pitta-
related organs:
"Repressed anger, for example completely cha'1ges the flora of the Gallblad-
der, bile duct and aggravates Pitta." S
It is obvious then) that Pitta) the gallbladder and the liver (which
supplies bile through the duct) are interrelated and affected by anger:,
a Pitta negative emotion.
ENERGETICS BIO-RHYTHM CLOCK (Pranic Mandala)

The energetics bio-rhythm clock (Fig. 5) is one of the most useful
tools in Ayurveda and particularly in Ayurvedic acupuncture. It pro-
vides a form of visualization which is necessary in the practice of
acupuncture. Religiously taught in our college, the Australian Institute
of Ayurvedic Medicine, the clock explains the undeniable connection
between the various biological pranic systems including the humors
and organs) pranic channels and times of most activity and risk. The
Fig. 5 The Pranic Mandala or Bio-Energy Clock

clock is also used in diagnosis} since an imbalance in a humor can be

easily ascertained if the patient is able to tell what time of day (or night)
hislher complaint appears worse. There is a strong correlation between
the disease, the humoral imbalance and the related orgarrs energy peak.
Explanation
Each humor can be unbalanced twice in one day or a twenty-four
hour cycle) once in the morning and once in the evening/night. This
imbalance tends to be more prominent in a person of the same con-
stitution as the humor which is unbalanced. Consequently, a Vata
person with an established Vata dysfunction will feel worse during
a Vata time (either in the early morning or in the afternoon). This
also applies to the other two humors of Ayurveda (Kapha and Pitta).
The clock will th~n demonstrate which humor is unbalanced. It
tells which organ or organs are related in the dysfunction and will
ascertain the channel which can be needled in order to improve the
humoral condition.
PRIMARY HUMORAL ORGANS

Each of the three humors has two Primary Organs} due to the direct
effect and connection between them. The primary organs) energy
peaks appear in the daytime (after 3 a.m. and before 3 p.m.-for 12
hours). The large intestine and lung are Vata primary organs not only
because they are directly related to the element of Wind (an element
of Vata)} but also because the large intestine is the primary site of Vata.
likeWiSe, the stomach is the primary site of Kapha and due to its
interrelation with the element of Earth} it forms one of the Kapha
primary organs along with the spleen) its related solid organ.
The small intestine is the primary site of Pitta and consequently
related to the element of Fire. By this connection} the S.l. is a primary
Pitta organ along with the heart) which forms the connection via the
blood) a Pitta tissue.
SECONDARY HUMORAL ORGANS

The secondary organs always appear after 3 p.m. and unti13 a.m.
(for 12 hours). These organs connect with the humor via a
secondary characteristic. These organs include the kidney and blad-
der for Vata, the liver and gallbladder for Pitta and the pericardium
and the Tridosha for Kapha.
Each organ's position in the cycle or clock is according to a set pat-
tern and does not change. This is due to the connection of the organs
via their channds. Where a humor like Vata (in the a.m.) has two
organs like the lungs and large intestine, their sequence of appearance
in the cycle is permanent and according to established criteria. In the
same humor; the two organs must not only be related but also must
be of a solid and hollow type of connection. In the previous exam-
ple of Vata, the solid organ is the lung, the hollow organ is the large
intestine. When the humor changes from one to another as from Vata
to Kapha in the morning, then the next organ along the line which
receives Prana first must be the same type as the previous organ. In
the case of Vata, since the large intestine was the last organ to receive
Prana, then a similar type of Kapha organ must next be in line. In
this case, the Kapha organ is the stomach, another hollow type of
organ just like the large intestine. Subsequentl)-) the spleen (a solid
organ) receives Prana after the stomach and thus concluding Kapha
in the morning (at 11 a.m.). This process continues for each twenty-
four hour cycle. This is illustrated in the accompanying clock chart
(Pranic Mandala-Fig. 5).
VATA(a.m.) 3 - 5 a.m. Lung (solid organ)

(Arm channels) 5 - 7 a.m. Large Intestine (hollow organ)
KAPHA 7 - 9 a.m. Stomach (hollow organ)

(Leg channels) 9 - 11 a.m. Spleen (solid organ)
PITTA 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Heart (solid organ)

(Arm channels) 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Small Intestine (hollow organ)
VATA(p.m.) 3-5p.m. Urinary Bladder (hollow organ)

(Leg channels) 5 -7 p.m. Kidney (solid organ)
KAPHA 7 - 9 p.m. Pericardium (solid organ)
(Arm channels) 9 - 11 p.m. Tridosha (hollow organ)
PITTA 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Gallbladder (hollow organ)
(Leg channels) 1 a.m. - 3 a.m. Liver (solid organ)
One of the interesting things about the above concept is that the
organ channels (nadis) connect with each other according to the above
scheme and carry Prana according to the times and method above.
For instance, the Heart channel connects with the Small Intestine chan-
nel which then connects with the Urinary Bladder channel; then the
Kidney channel; etc.
Another very important point about the above concept is that each
humor has its organ channels on the one limb (e.g. arm). The subse-
quent humor has its channels on the opposing limb (e.g. leg) and the
follOWing one after that; has its channels back on the arm again. This
process continues in the same format until all the channels have been
covered.
The pranic flow through the channels is also according to the above
scheme, in the form of a loop.
THE AYURVEDIC ENERGY WHEELS

Ayurveda explains that there is a sequence of creation of the Five
Elements and consequently the humors. Humors and elements lead
in a cyclic manner in order for life to emerge, to continue and to finally
decay. This is primarily due to the flow of Prana through the chan-
nels; and secondarily to the flow of the humors throughout the body.
Charaka explains that not only is there a wheel of creation but
also one of destruction; since the latter relates to how living beings
finally perish.
"The Universe moves around from the unmanifested stage to the manifested
one [Creation} and then again from the manifested stage to the unmanifested
one [Destruction}." 9
It is absolutely necessary to realize that according to classical
Ayurveda7 the Five Elements appeared in a specific order; so as to form
the cosmos. This primordial order which we call a cycle or wheel
is the basis on which other cycles or wheels of the body are based.
This Wheel of Creation (Nirmana Chakra) and its three derivative
wheels describe the major functions of the body. Consequently, there
must be a creating a controlling a destroying and a supporting func-
tion. These are the four natural functions which form and affect
homeostasis (health). The Creation Wheel describes the birth pro-
ceSSj the Supporting Wheel describes how we continue to survivej
the Controlling Wheel describes the mechanism by which the body
keeps itself from "going over the top77j and the Destruction Wheel
describes the method by which we finally die.
This can be compared to an automobile-

CREATION-vehicle assembled at the automobile plant
SUPPORTING-Accelerator pedal / gas7 oil and water
CONTROLLING-Brake pedal/hand brake
DESTRUCTION-Wear and tear7 non-service of vehicle7 accident
There are another two cycles which evolve from creation and
together compose the processes of creation7 controlling destroying
and supporting functions. All these functions are qualities of Prana7
the first energy.
Renown Yoga master and author of Light on Pranayama7 B.K.S.
Iyengar7 describes Prana7s functions as follows:
"Prana is energy which creates, protects and destroys. II 10
These are the natural functions which form life and affect
homeostasis (health).
Creation
The Wheel of Creation describes the birth processJ creationJ and
how Prana develops from pure energy into the most physical of its
forms in the body.
Protection
Protection is offered by the Wheel of Support which describes how
processes continue to functionJ one element feeding the next. The
Wheel of Control describes the mechanisms by which the body keeps
itself from igoing over the tor with regard to the Elements. Both the
Supporting and Controlling Wheels are forms of protection.
Destruction
The Wheel of Destruction describes the method by which diseases
occur and how we finally become ill and consequently die.
This can be compared to an automobile: Creation-vehicle assem-
bled at the automobile factory. Supporting-accelerator pedaVgasJ oil
and water. Controlling-brake pedalJ hand brake and steering wheel.
Destruction-wear and tearJ prolonged non-service of vehicleJ
collisions.
WHEEL OF CREATION (Nirmana Chakra)

The sequence of the creation of the five phYSical elements (Pancha-
mahabhutas) was preViously described as the Wheel of Creation (see
Fig. 6). Each element in the cycle helped to create the next one in lint;
from most subtle to most physical. PranaJ the life energY: was the most
subtle of all which preceded the five. Their progressive development
also allowed the creation of the three humors in the order of most
subtle effect J that is Vata J Pitta and lastly Kapha.
Ether + Wind = Vata

Fire + Water = Pitta
Water + Earth = Kapha
The Wheel of Creation is related to Kapha J the anabolic (building-

up) humor in the body.
Creation
PRANA
Pranic Energy Source
AKASHA Matter
} VATA
VAYl]
TEJA Friction
} PITTA
JALA Liquify
} KAPHA
PRITHVI Solidify
•
Fig. 6 Wheel of Creation-Nirmana-Chakra
Prana and the Five Elements interaction
WHEEL OF DESTRUCTION {Vinasha Chakra}

Upon formation via the previously mentioned wheel, the body then
begins a slow trek towards its own physical destruction, through
gradual decay so that the elements and Prana can return back to their
source. This process may take anywhere from birth to about 110 years
of age.
Ayurveda also points out that we as humans go through three stages
of life, resembling the three humors.
1. Kapha stage-childhood to adolescent (1-14 yrs.)
2. Pitta stage-adolescent to adulthood (15-45 yrs.)
3. Vata stage-middle age to old age (45+ yrs.)
Kapha during childhood normally involves respiratory dysfunctions
e.g. congestion and Kapha type syndromes.
The Pitta stage involves digestive disorders.
Vata being the last stage deals with Vata type syndromes, like
wrinkles, dry skin and bones (osteoporosis), etc. It Virtually dries out
the body.
The Wheel of Destruction (Fig. 7) is the process by which the body
decays. This means that the dysfunctions start in subtle problems-
(Vata), and later reach the most serious form-the most phYSical in
malady (Kapha). Consequently, the elements also occur in said man-
ner, where the cycle involves Ether first then Wind (Vata), Fire and
Water (pitta), and lastly Earth (Kapha). This is exemplified in Ayurveda
by Charaka who cites that Vata is responSible for more diseases than
Pitta or Kapha. In fact, the ratio is 80 Vata: 40 Pitta: 20 Kapha.
As the illness beginS in an imbalance of Prana and Vata (subtle) until
it reaches its most physical form, so the sequence of decay Similarly
occurs in this way. A chronic disease has reached its most physical
form (Kapha) from its most acute imbalance (Vata).
The Wheel of Destruction can be used to identify the process of
illness by determining which organs are affected, according to this
cycle. The elements can destroy each other in the follOWing manner.
The Wheel of Destruction is analogous to Vata, the catabolic humot
VATA 1 Ether
{
2 Wind
PITTA { 3 Fire
4 Water
KAPHA {
5 Earth
Fig. 7 Wheel of Destruction (Vinasha Chakra)

Ether-Wind
The quality of Ether in the body is usually one of heat since this
relates to the liver, gallbladder and Pitta. Consequently, Ether can
destroy Wind by overheating it, causing dryness (as in a desert) and
aggravating Vata, as well as the nervous system, due to excess heat.
Wind-Fire
Wind can destroy Fire by blOWing it out, when in excess. This is
like blOWing out a candle. Excess Wind destroys Fire through increas-
ing nervousness by destroying the balance of the heart which con-
trols the nerves. Also, Wind as in excess Vata can reduce Agni, the
digestive fire in the small intestine (a Fire organ as well). Also, a long
term smoker may experience heart disease (increase in blood pressure
etc.) due to the increase in Wind (smoke).
Fire-Water
Excess Fire as in high Pitta can destroy Water in the body by
overheating and causing dehydration. This is similar to a high fevelj
and its resultant great thirst.
Water-Earth
Water can Similarly destroy Earth as the feature of Earth is rigidity,
solidity and lack of movement. Water in excess can cause fluid reten-
tion. This would unlock Earth's rigid grip on the muscles etc. by allow-
ing unwanted movement (as in loose jOints, swollen ankles etc.). This
would result in a high Kapha syndrome. Balanced Water and Earth
is essential for normal Kapha.
Earth-Ether
The quality of Earth is coldness which is also a quality of Kapha.
Through this excess coldness, Earth can destroy the heat of Ether in
the liver, a Pitta organ.
The Wheel of Destruction resembles Vata and its catabolic (destruc-
tive) effect. This wheel is also called the wheel of dissolution and as
Feuerstein explains:
"The process is described in the Mahanirvana:rantra (V93ff.). kcord-
ing to this passage, the process of dissolution is as follows: the element earth
is dissolved into that of water, water into fire, fire into air, air into ether, ether
into the sense of egoity ... into the world ground and . .. into the
transcendent. tlll
THE WHEEL OF CONTROL (Vinaya Chakra)

Each element due to its interconnection via a subtle channel with
organs and humors, also undergoes a sequence of control. The con-
trolling action represents a damper or brake on the element's action,
so that the elements remain at a correct level or equilibrium. When
an element fails to control its corresponding element, the latter one
will tend to malfunction in accordance with its attributes. For instance,
if Ether fails to control Earth, then rigidity, heaviness and lack of ap-
petite may set in. This is characteristic of a dysfunctional Kapha. In
this case, Ether can not prevent Kaphas negative attributes from in-
creasing.
The controlling function is extremely important. Without proper
control, each element would tend to go on its own way, increasing
in accordance with its inherent quality, without a safety brake.
The Wheel of Control (Fig. 8) is related to Pitta, the metabolic or
regulating humor. The elements control each other in the follOWing
manner:
1. Ether controls Earth.
2. Earth controls Water.
3. Water controls Fire.
4. Fire controls Wind.
5. Wind controls Ether.
THE WHEEL OF SUPPORT (Alamba Chakra)

The Alambachakra or Wheel of Support (Fig. 10) occurs when each
element supports the next one in line, by handing over its pranic
KAPHA 1 Earth
{
2 Water
PITTA {
3 Fire
4 Wind
VATA {
5 Ether
Fig. 8 The Wheel of Control (Vinaya Chakra)

Fig. 9 Anatomical position of the organs in the body

and in the Wheels
HUMOR ELEMENT ORGAN

I Wind L. Intestine
VATA { Lung
2 Water Kidney
Bladder
3 Ether Liver
PITTA { Gallbladder
4 Fire Heart
S.Intestine
KAPHA 5 Earth Stomach

Spleen
Fig. 10 The Wheel of Support Alamba Chakra)

energy. This is similar to the way a mother breast feeds her child.
Without the support obtained from food the child would perish. The
support differs from control in that a child may be fed by the mother
(support) but is taught by the teacher (control). In most cases, the
teacher and parent are two different people.
This sequence of support is similar to that of Creation where Yata
leads to Pitta which finally leads to Kapha. Howevelj this support con-
cerns the organs so that they appear according to the appearance of
the three humors.
Vata
In the case of Yata, the large intestine and lung appear for Wind,
while the kidney and urinary bladder appear for Yata but under the
Water element.
Pitta
In the case of Pitta, the liver and gallbladder appear via the Ether
element, while the heart and small intestine appear under Fire.
Kapha
In the case of Kapha, the spleen and stomach appear under the Earth
element.
This is then the order of appearance of the organs:
Wind Large Intestine Vata
Lung
Wtuer Kidney
Bladder
Ether Liver Pitta
Gallbladder
Fire Heart
Small Intestine
Earth Spleen Kapha
Stomach
WHEELS INTERACTIONS
Where a dysfunction occurs, several of the wheels described above
will become involved.
In the event that an element became in excess due to a number of
factors including stress, incorrect food, seasonal changes, etc., this
would follow a certain path. The excess element would tend to over-
control its related element (according to the Wheel of Control) and
destroy the other (according to the Wheel of Destruction). For instance,
if Ether (Pitta) became in excess (see Fig. 11) due to excessive anger
(a Pitta emotion), it may tend to over-control Earth (Kapha) which
may cause a lack of appetite and destroy (attack) Wind (Yata). In the
latter, excessive heat can over-stimulate Yata and cause it to flare up.
This concept is applicable to the other elements as follows:
Excess
Fire (Pitta)
When Fire is in excess, this relates to high Pitta which automatically
reduces Kapha (destroy Water) and over-controls Yata (over-control
Wind).
Earth (Kapha)
When Earth is in excess, this equates to high Kapha (rigidit)) obeSity).
This results in restriction of Water in the body due to the excess earth
(over-control of Water) and destroys Ether, which in this case relates
to Pitta or heat, since the cold effect of Earth cools down the heat.
Wind (Vtlta)
When Wind is in excess, this equals high Yata, so that Fire is
destroyed (Yata would perhaps attack the blood-RaktaYata). The cold
effect of Wind also lowers the fire of Pitta via the Ether (over-
controlling it).
Water (Kapha)
When Water is in excess, this results in high Kapha (of excess fluid).
High PITTA EARTH
Low PITTA EARTH
Fig. 11 Elements7 Excesses and Deficiencies

Consequently, this Kapha lowers Pitta (over-control Fire), and at the

same time destroys Earth (excess water added to a bucket of earth
destroys the effect of earth and cause looseness, etc.).
Ether (Pitta)
When Ether is in excess, this normally causes a high Pitta condi-
tion as in excess energy in the liver and gallbladder. The result is a
lowering of Kapha (cold) by over-controlling Earth. At. the same time,
the drying effect of ether (dry heat) combined with excess heat destroys
(attacks) Wind or Vata. Excess dry heat obViously over-stimulates or
aggravates Vata.
Deficiency
In cases of element (or humor) deficiency, the other elements (or
humors) tend to attack the weakened element. Consequently, when
Fire (Pitta) is deficient, both Vata and Kapha attack it. This means
that Water attacks Fire (Kapha reduces Pitta) and Vata also affects it.
Wind's cold and Windy effect may put out the fire.
Fire
Fire/Pitta low, Kapha high (Water), Vata high (Wind).
Ether
Ether/Pitta IO\\j Kapha high (Earth), Vata high (Wind).
Earth
Earth/Kapha low, Pitta high (Ether), Vata high (Water low)
Wind
WindlVata IO\\j Pitta high (heat and moisture) both Ether and Fire.
If Vata is IO\\j then Pitta must be high (more oiliness or moisture).
WHEEL OF THE TISSUES

Ayurveda states that there are seven types of tissues in the human
body. These tissues called Dhatus are the physical sphere in which
the humors develop and the physical site of their imbalance. Essen-
tiallJi every organ and system is made up of at least one of these tissues.
Hence] the later development of disease in the organs can occur
through the elements] humors and tissues.
TraditionallJi Ayurveda outlines seven types of tissues. They ap-
pear in the following descending order and actually form a loop or
cycle. This cycle is called DhatuChakra or the Wheel of the Tissues:
1. Plasma
2. Blood
3. Muscle
4. Fat
5. Bone
6. Marrow and nerves
7. Reproductive tissue
Many reasons have been cited in the past for the mutual connec-
tion of the seven tissues. Three major reasons are explained.
The first relates to one tissue turning itself into another. It is difficult
to understand how muscle can turn into fat (science believes this is
not possible).
The second says that some tissues irrigate others as in blood irrigating
muscle. This tends to be incomplete.
The third] more modern idea] relates to communication between
tissues via hormones or enzymes to trigger a reaction.
The so-called one tissue creating another tissue is more correctly
explained as one tissue {{nourishing" another tissue. Since Prana is
the essence or energy of life] then this communication is via Prana.
The communication mirrors the way that Prana communicates and
{{nourishes" each organ] according to the Five Elements (Fig. 12). This
effect is via an energetic connection and interrelated to pranic flow
through the channels (especially the Nadis). Sharma and Dash in the
Charaka (Vol.lI) explain it in the follOWing manner:
"So dhatus [tissues} are nourished through their respective channels and one
channel cannot prOVide nourishment to another dhatu as one canal cannot ir-
rigate trees situated in different places (directions) [unless it is done via its respec-
tive/ dedicated dhatu channel]."12
TISSUES
(dbatus)
Fig. 12 The Wheel of the Tissues (Dhatu Chakra)

Since Prana is the essential energy which keeps everything alive

and healthy, the dhatus or tissues communicate with each other via
the Pranic channels. This is reminiscent of the way each element
supports (or feeds) each other according to the Wheel of Support,
described earlier.
The only problem that appears to arise in this meshing of the
elements and the tissues is that there are five elements and seven tissues.
It is difficult to see how they integrate since their numbers are different.
The Wheel of Support relates the elements in a cyclic manner but
each element supports one another according to the follOWing scheme:
Fire, Earth, Wind, Water and Ether. After Ethelj Fire then commences
once again in a loop form.
FIRE
({Plasma [rasa] and blood [rakta] are the sites of Pitta [fire)" 13
Ayurveda then agrees that both of these tissues are related to the
Fire element and Pitta. Plasma (rasa) is the watery substance in blood
containing food nutrients primarily received from and absorbed
through the small intestine. Plasma then has a connection with Fire,
since the small intestine is a Fire organ. Blood (rakta) carries oxygen,
etc. to all tissues. Blood is composed of the Fire and Water elements
(Pitta). Blood is then related to this humor and is pumped through
the body by the heart (another Fire organ).
EAKfH
Muscle and fat both relate to Earth. The spleen (pancreas) and
stomach relate to these two tissues through their Earth connection.
Charaka once again deciphers this when he states the connection of
fat, muscle and Kapha (which is related to Earth): "Due to the vitiation
of Kapha. Obesity [fat, and} /055 of strength [muscle deficiency]."14
Muscle, through the pranic energy of the spleen and its channel
nourishes Fat (pancreas). Charaka agrees that diabetes, a pancreatic
disorder, is caused by the vitiation of fat. 15 So the connection of the
pancreas to the Earth element and fat is obvious.
By muscle and fat's interconnection with the Earth element (the

element of growth), the tissues are reduced to five in number, accord-
ing to the Five Elements.
WIND
Bone relates to Wind and Vata. Dr. Vasant Lad explains this when
he states that liThe Large Intestine and bones are the seats of Ulta. 1116
The large intestine and lungs, both of Wind origin, have a direct
effect and relationship to Bone. The previous energy in Earth is fed
to Wind (Bone) for nourishment.
WATER
Marrow relates to Water, yet it is also considered a Vata tissue since
vitiation of Marrow aggravates Vata and the nerves. Since the kidneys
and its related organ, the urinary bladder, affect Vata, Water is related
to Vata, kidneys and bladder and MarrOw. Charaka states that the blad-
der [and kidney] is the site of Vata. 17 The energy from the Wind is
fed to Water to nourish the kidneys and marrow.
ETHER
Reproductive tissue relates to Ether This is because lithe fruit [reproduc-
tive tissue} corresponds to Ether, the subtle essence of the plant." ls
The human fruit (that which enables reproduction) is akin to the
plant's fruit and Similarly related to the Ether element. Consequent-
ly, the liver and gallbladder are Ether organs and related to the reproduc-
tive tissue.
The seven tissues, which can be reduced down to five due to their
mutual interactions (e.g. muscle/fat and plasmalblood), mimic the Five
elements in the Wheel of Support.
WHEEL OF SUPPORT
Tissue Element Humor
Plasma/Blood Fire Pitta
Muscle/Fat Earth Kapha
Bone Wind Vata
Marrow Water Vata
Reproductive Ether Pitta (+Vata+Kapha)
The sequence of the tissues nourishing or feeding one another via
their respective channels is called DhatuChakra. This wheel is iden-
tical to the Wheel of Support and consequently, imbalances in the
tissues can be treated with acupuncture by treating the appropriate
channels and points related to the Five Elements. Their essence in com-
mon and their communication is through Prana) the life energy.
Notes:
2. Ibid.) p. 20
3. Ibid.) pp. 21-22.
4. Ibid.) p. 24.
5. Ibid.) p. 362.
6. Ibid.) p. 362.
7. Ibid.) p. 362.
8. Ayurveda- The Science of Self-Healing p. 40.
9. Charaka Samhitta) Sarirasthana I [67·69]) p. 328.
11. Textbook of J0ga) p. 155.
13. Ibid.) Vol. I) p. 362.
14. Ibid.) Vol 1) p. 370.
15. Ibid.) p. 577
16. Ayurveda- The Science of Self-Healing, p. 30.
17. Charaka) p. 362. '
18. yoga of Herbs) p. 10.
CHAPTER V
PART 1
MAJOR ORGANS
There are two types of internal major organs in the human body
according to Ayurveda. Some organs are considered solid because for
all intent and purposes they are solid, at least more solid than others.
They are also very necessary and normally cannot be removed by
surgery. For instance, the heart is a solid organ and cannot be removed
without the person dying. This also applies to others like the liver
or even the kidneys. Even though humans have two kidneys and can
survive with only one, if both are removed, the person will die.
The other type of organs are referred to as hollo\!\) since they do,
in most cases, resemble a hollow pipe or sack, e.g. the large and small
intestines and the stomach. Hollow organs are necessary for the
correct function of the body, however they can often be removed
without the person dying (e.g. gallbladder, part of the colon etc.). The
digestive tract organs, hollow organs, are considered very important
in Ayurveda, since it is there that Vata, Pitta and Kapha dysfunctions
first originate and later migrate to other parts of the body.
There are six solid and six hollow organs classified in Ayurveda.
FUNCTIONS OF THE SIX SOLID ORGANS

(1) Heart
The heart controls the flow of blood through the body and is the
site of Prana, which often controls mental activity according to
Charaka. The heart is responSible for the health of the blood vessels.
PhYSiologically, the heart is an involuntary muscle which acts as a
pump, contracting and expanding to force blood to all parts of the
body. The heart consists of four separate chambers, the upper two
are called the Atria (left and right) while the lower two are called the
Ventricles. These compartments are separated by muscular partitions
69
called septa (singular: septum). There are also four valves which
regulate the flow of bloodJ two semilunar valvesJ one tricuspid and
one bicuspid or mitral valves.
The heart is related to Kapha because it is essentially made of
muscle (Earth)J but also it is energetically connected to Pitta and the
Fire element as wellJ through its connection with blood. The heart
has a pranic channel (nadi) which commences in the heart. It is then
logically called the Heart channel.
(2) Lung
The lung controls the flow of water and Prana through the body.
This occurs because it is only by Prana flowing correctly through the
channels that water (body flUids) can Similarly flow.
It is responsible for the health of the skin and hairJ since being a
Vata organ it relates to the Wind element. There are two lungs in the
bodjJ one on the right side and one on the left side of the body. Ox-
ygen which carries Prana is taken into the blood and then diffused
into the blood stream to be carried elsewhere. Waste carbon dioxide
is excreted from the body via the lungs and expiration.
(3) Liver
The liver is positioned in the right hypochondria (under the
breathing diaphragm).It controls the unobstruction of Prana and bloodJ
and is responsible for the health of the tendons due to their connection
with Pitta. The liver also receives food nutrients from the stomach
and intestines via the portal veins. It produces and stores various
vitaminsJ sugars and minerals. It also digests the Five Elements (e.g.
from a vegetable) and turns them into the form which can be used
by the body. This is achieved by the Bhuta-AgnisJ the five liver fires
which digest the elements. The liver is a Pitta organJ since the word
pitta itself is translated as bileJ a product which is produced by the liver.
(4) Spleen
The spleen controls digestion and the transportation of blood. It
is responsible for the muscles. The spleenJ positioned in the upper
Major Organs 71
left side of the abdominal cavity, functions also to remove and destroy
disease-producing organisms from the blood stream. It stores blood
in order to release it when required] as when excessive bleeding occurs.
Due to its connection with the blood] the spleen is related to Pitta.
However, it is also related to Kapha because of its connection with
the earth element and its attribute of growth. In fact] the difference
between muscle and fat (both contain earth and water) is that the
spleen heavily deals with blood] and through its heat (fire) it turns
earth and water (as though by baking) into muscle. It is the heat that
makes the difference between muscle and fat. Fat is analogous to
gelatin powder (earth) and waterj it results in a cold] unstable (floppy)
concoction. Muscle, on the other hand] is like making a mixture of
cake powder (earth) and water and placing it in the oven (heat) to bake.
The result is like a solid structure] much more stable than the gelatin
(jelly) product. The spleen has a pranic channel which connects with
the legs.
(5) Kidney
The two kidneys are positioned directly behind the eighth to tenth
ribs. It controls water metabolism and is responsible for the bones]
marrow and affects the reproductive organs since these are positioned
in the Vata area of the trunk. It also separates waste products and water
from the blood to excrete as urine. Through its drying action on fluids
in the body (just like a flood-gate)7 the kidneys relate to Vata. When
it removes water7 it relates to Vata7 but while it retains water in the
body, it deals with Kapha. The kidney has a pranic channel which
connects with the legs.
(6) Pericardium
Although not strictly an organ per se, the pericardium is nevertheless
recognized as one in Ayurveda. It is a sac which surrounds the heart
and usually swells with fluid during a disease (pericarditis). It is con-
nected to the diaphragm] the heart blood vessels and the thoracic wall.
This organ has an effect on the Kapha flow. Its pranic energy
channel is located along the arms.
FUNCTIONS OF THE SIX HOLLOW ORGANS

(1) Stomach
The stomach is positioned in the upper part of the abdominal cavity.
It is connected with the esophagus at the top end and at the small
intestine by the pyloric sphincter or valve. Its main function is to receive
and macerate food with the aid of the gastric juices. This mixture is
eventually thinned down into chyme which exits the stomach and
enters the duodenum (small intestine). Some experts believe that it
is a subtle form of chyme which is produced in the stomach and
attacks the lung when Kapha is aggravated.
The stomach works in conjunction with the spleen which carries
on the functions of digestion and absorption. AI> with the spleen, with
which it is internally related, the stomach also affects the muscles.
Growth in the body is under the control of Kapha, the anabolic humor.
The stomach is a very important part of this humor. The Stomach
channel is positioned along the legs in a direct relationship with the
spleen.
(2) Large Intestine

The large intestine consists of four sections, the cecum, ascending,
transverse and descending colons and is approXimately five feet in
length. The large intestine absorbs moisture from the digested food,
and is also extremely important in the absorption of Prana from food
into the body. It manufactures some vitamins in the intestinal flora,
forms feces and expels them by the use of peristalsis (waves).
The large intestine is related to Vata and Wind, and consequently
to the lungs and also has an effect on the skin and hair. The Large
Intestine channel is located along the arm in a relative position to the
Lung channel.
(3) Small Intestine

The small intestine is positioned in the abdominal area and absorbs
90% of all nutrients. It is approXimately twenty feet in length. Since
the small intestine is a Fire organ and is related to the heart with which
Major Organs 73
it is internally connectedJ it is also involved in the health of the blood

vessels. The small intestine is also the site of AgniJ the digestive fire.
When Agni becomes low (which can occur due to antibioticsJ stress
etc.) the digestive process will falter, causing malabsorption of nutrients
and the consequential effect of AmaJ or toxin build-up in the body
AlsoJ due to low Agni (fire) in the small intestine., various germs and
moldJ etc. (e.g. candida) can be allowed a safe passage to the large in-
testine where they lodge and begin to cause dysfunctions.
The Small Intestine channel is located in the arm in a relative posi-
tion to the Heart channelJ with which it is related.
(4) Gallbladder
The gallbladder, a sack-like structure., stores bile (greenish fluid) which
is produced by the liver and used in the digestive process. The Gallblad-
der channel is connected with the Liver channel and is also responsi-
ble for the unobstruction of Prana as well as the health of the tendons.
The gallbladderJ due to its connection with the liver, is directly con-
nected to the Ether element and to Pitta.
(5) Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder is a membranous sack which stores urine after
it is produced and excreted by the kidneys. It connects with the kidneys
via two pipes called ureters. The bladder and the kidneys both affect
the health of the bonesJ marrow and the reproductive systemJrelated
to Vata.
(6) Tridosha (3D)
The tridosha is not a phYSiological organ per se., but in Ayurveda
it is considered as such. Tridosha is a generalization of the three areas
of the trunk which relate to the three humors (doshas). These are VataJ
Pitta and Kapha.
As the trunk can be considered a hollow pipe., then the Tridosha
is a hollow organ. Tridoshas literally means uthree-humorsJ~ The flow
of fluids through these three areas of the trunk can be affected by an
imbalance in one or more of the three humorsJ so that the mutual
balance of all is reflected in the Tridosha and its pranic channel. The
Tridosha (3D) and the pericardium are therefore related and their pranic
channels interconnect.
PART 2
THE TWO OPPOSITES (Guna Dvandva)
There is a theory of opposite and interdependent qualities] objects
and forces in the universe] according to Ayurveda.
These forces are continuous] active polarities which affect all of
the animate world. Both of these types of forces are in conflict yet
interdependent and through this] things live and flourish. Through
their conflict] things deteriorate and die. Both phases are important
parts of Life.
These opposing yet related and inter-dependent forces are called
Guna-Dvandva which literally means "qualities of duality". It is
because of Prana-life energy that everything exists] but it is through
Akasha (Ether) that things are allowed to take shapf:; since Ether is
the field (or matrix) on which everything is created. Prana (energy)
therefore relies on Ether (matter) for life to exist] yet they are both op-
posite forces. Due to the qualities of the Five Elements] every object
has a prominence of a particular quality in accordance to the attributes
of the element.
Essentially, everything in the universe can be classified and divid-
ed into two such groups] each requiring the other for survival. Liff:;
for instance] acting as the rising and falling curve of a sine wave] sup-
plies us with many moments which are extremely joyous and hap-
py. Later] we may take delivery of a most horrendous shipment of
sorrow. Both aspects are part of life and we must learn to
handle them and learn from them] to avoid complications. Someone
once said that "there is no such thing as problems] only opportunities;]
We must learn to "ride the wave!]
As the Buddha reportedly said] "the measure of a real person is not
one who never falls] but rather when the person does fall] he/she gets
The Two Opposites 75
up again!J
The Sun and the Moon are also of these opposite polarities. Solar
energy is positive energ}) while Lunar energy is negativeJ yet we are
dependent on both for our existence. Without malesJ humans cannot
reproduceJ without femalesJ they would also be in great difficulty.
All energies and matter have definite attributes (gunas). All objects
normally have more than one characteristic or property and can be
recognized by their relationship to duality (dvandva).
The ancient Ayurvedic physician Charaka wrote a commentary
on the attributes or dual qualities. He outlined ten pairs of such at-
tributes as found in Nature. But he did so not to illustrate that there
are only ten pairsJ but rather that the ones mentioned below form
an effective part of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. 1 These ten
paired sets of qualities are extremely important. Charaka states: "The
twenty qualities . . .are useful for [various} therapies. 11l Sharma and Dash
comment further: 'I\ttributeslike superiority and inferiOrity are not relevant
from the standpoint of treatment; hence they are not described here [by
Charaktl]."3
It is obvious that Charaka needed to describe these important
qualities of duality for diagnosis and therapY] but that he did not need
to describe others which he was totally aware ofJ such aSJ dark and
lightJ left and rightJ Sun and MoonJ male and female, etc.
He listed and described the follOWing twenty (ten pairs of interrelated
attributes):
1. (a) Heavy (guru) (b) Light (laghu)

2. (a) Cold (sita) (b) Hot (ushna)
3. (a) Oily (snigdha) (b) Dry (ruksa)
4. (a) Slow (manda) (b) Quick (tiksna)
5. (a) Static (sthira) (b) Mobile (sara)
6. (a) Soft (mrdu) (b) Hard (kathina)
7. (a) Clear (vishada) (b) Turbid (picchila)
8. (a) Smooth (slakshna) (b) Rough (khara)

9. (a) Gross (sthula) (b) Subtle (suksma)
10. (a) Solid (sandra) (b) liquid (drava)
Ayurveda7literally being the "Science of Life7" is aware of and takes

into account all qualities of an opposite nature7and not just the ten
pairs outlined above.
We should not be blinded by the fact that there exist three humors
and five elements. The concept of duality is still applicable to all of
them. The Gunas have their particular properties or attributes due
to their interconnection with the Five Elements. A heavy quality (la)7
for instance7is weight increasing and consequently not only relates
to Water and Earth but to Kapha as well. The light quality (lb)7 on
the other hand7being weight reducing is found in the Fire, Wind and
Ether elements and in Pitta and Vata. Any substance which has one
of these attributes must have a link with at least one of the Five
Elements. Where there is dry skin (3b)7 oil may be therapeutic (3a).
GUNAS ELEMENT
Heavy EarthIWater
Light FireIWindiEther
Cold Water/Earth
Hot Fire/Ether (Pitta)
Oily Water
Dry EarthlFireIWindiEther
Slow EarthIWater
Quick Fire
Static Earth
Mobile Wind
Soft Water/Ether
Hard Earth
Clear Wind/Fire/Ether
Turbid Water/Earth
Smooth Fire
Rough Wind
Gross Earth
Subtle EtherlWind/Fire
Solid Earth
liquid Water
Left-Right
Ayurveda classifies the body as being divided into two opposite but
interdependent halves, that is a left and a right half. The left half, under
the control of Ida Nadi (channel), is usually cool. The right half, under
the control of the Surya Nadi (Sun Channel), is usually warm (Fig.
13). Of course, the difference in temperature between one side and
the other is not normally noticeable.
The Ida channel originates in the left nostril and is influenced by
Lunar energy which has a cold attribute. Charaka himself stated this:
"The Moon is the presiding deity [force} of Water. The water in the atmosphere
(before it falls on the ground) is by nature cold.'"
This channel allows cool air to enter the body.
The Surya (or Pingala) channel, on the other hand, is influenced
by the Sun and has a hot quality. The channel originates in the right
nostril and allows warm air to enter the body.
The left side of the body is related to negative energy which has
Kapha and Vata properties. ConsequentlJj many of the types of
diseases related to these two humors affect the left side of the body.
Also, since a female is directly related to the Kapha/Vata humors, she
is also under the influence of the Moon, just as Water is.
The right side of the body relates to positive energy which has Pit-
ta qualities. Many Pitta type diseases affect the male, (who is more
Pitta than the female) and the right side of the body.
"/e
U/--'
Fig. 13 The Right and Left Sides (Pitta & Kapha) and polarities
The Spleen, being a Kapha organ, has a physical effect on the left
side of the body and Kapha. The liver:, being related to Pitta, has a
similar effect on the actions of Pitta. When a person lies down on
one side of the body; this tends to suppress one of the two organs men-
tioned above and allows the other side, controlled by the opposite organ
to increase its qualities. For example, when lying down on the right
side, this would suppress the function of the liver (and Pitta), which
would then allow the spleen and Kapha to increase. This effect can
allow a Kapha-type dysfunction to be aggravated. Likewise, a Pitta-
type aggravation can occur when lying down on the left side, by sup-
pressing Kapha, and allOWing Pitta to increase.
Male- Female
Ayurveda classifies a male as being related to positive energy. This
includes a connection with Pitta, Fire, Ether and the right side of the
body. This is probably the reason why men suffer more from heart
attacks (normally a Pitta disorder).
A female is classified as being affected by and related to negative
energy. Negative energy (female) is no less important than positive
energy (male). Both are essential. As previously explained, the Moon
has a strong effect not only on tides but also in the female.
It is interesting to note that recent scientific evidence points to
women (especially), being greatly affected when there is a full moon.
It has been found that during a full moon, which is a natural
phenomenon, police, ambulance and other emergency workers report
the greatest number of deaths, injuries and crime. Hospitals too
(especially psychiatric ones) have the greatest amount of inmate ac-
tivity during such time. Psychiatric hospitals have, for a long tim<;
had an unofficial policy of {(locking up the place" during a full moon.
The term {(lunatic" essentially means a person who is negatively
affected by the full moon. This term has been used in society for a
very long time.
Science has now {(discovered" that through the Moon's influence
on the tides and since the human body contains minute seas (70%
water content), the Moon must similarly affect humans. Women

(especially Vata types), having a greater amount of negative energy,
are therefore greatly affected by lunar energy. The symptoms which
can occur are nervousness, stress and temporary mental imbalance
(and fluid retention).
Ayurveda has known this for thousands of years, since it is a natural
effect and therefore observed in the past. Science is only now con-
firming things which have been known for thousands of years in
India.
Pitta-Kapha
The human bodlj arbitrarily divided into two parts, is influenced
by Pitta and Kapha. In essence, these two forces work together in order
to maintain balance in the body. Pitta is akin to hot steam, while Kapha
is similar to mud. A major increase in one of these two would then
demonstrate a dysfunction akin to its qualities and affect the side of
the body related to the humor. For instance, Pitta-type symptoms may
be evident on the right Side, while Kapha symptoms may show up
on the left side.
Pitta is often related to acid conditions (hyperacidity) in the
bodlj while Kapha is akin to alkaline dysfunctions (phlegm, lung
congestion).
Essentially then, the two forces working at maintaining a balanc-
ed level of health in the body are Pitta and Kapha, the positive and
negative factors. Yet, they are both totally lame and ineffective unless
controlled by the Vata humor which contains much Prana or life
energy.
The Vata humor is the most subtle of the three and consequently
attempts to regulate Pitta and Kapha. Vata is the driving force and
yet it can also be a cause of dysfunction.
The heat which is a characteristic of Pitta is generally obtained from
food which is either hot in temperature or else has an energetically
heating effect (like chilies). It is also obtained from the atmosphere
and taken into the body via the Surya channel (right nostril) previously
Ayurvedic Process of Disease 81
described in the text. Likewise, Kaphas coldness is obtained from food

and taken into the body via the Ida channel (left nostril).
It is interesting to note also that the female reproductive organ is
a Pitta-related energy organ, since it is involved in the menstrual flow
of blood (a Pitta tissue). The male reproductive system is Kapha related
due to its connection with semen or Kapha seminal fluid. Conse-
quently: although a male is normally Pitta related, his reproductive
organs are Kapha related. Likewise, the female is usually under the
influence of Kapha, yet her reproductive system is under Pitta.
In this way: a male (Pitta) has an undeniable like-attraction toward's
the female's Pitta reproductive organ. A female (Kapha) likewise is
attracted to a male's Kapha reproductive organ. If this were not so,
Ayurveda explains, there would not be an attraction between male
and female.
PART 3
AYURVEDIC PROCESS OF DISEASE
The disease process often follows three paths, akin to the Tridoshas.
There is also a strong correlation between the disease process and the
Five Elements, and their cycles of interactions, called Wheels.
These three paths are as follows:
1. (Samchaya)-Increase or accumulation of humor (dosha).
2. (Prakopa)-Aggravation of humor.
3. (Prashama)-Alleviation of humor.
Humors continuously rise and fall while undergOing everyday
changes. These changes are primarily due to the increase of Prana at
a humor-related organ for a set period of time. The second cause is
due to increases caused by qualities and substances similar to the
humor's qualities. Vata can be increased, for instance, by eating dry
fruits. A person of Pitta constitution may increase this humor by eating
acidic foods.
Aggravation will indicate an increase in the humor's characteristics
to the extent of causing noticeable symptoms, which may result in
excess gas or wind for Vata.

Alleviation will signal a point where the person has moved from
the aggravated stage back to its former level. This will tend to eliminate
the symptoms which had previously appeared.
During the process of digestion, the humors tend to rise and fall
as a sine wave, accumulating as follows:
Vata accumulates when food is in the small intestine (Pitta organ),
being provoked or aggravated when food is in the large intestine (Yata
organ) and alleviated when it is in the stomach (Kapha organ). Con-
sequendlj a Vata person should feel fine while ingesting the food,
may begin to feel discomfort when food reaches the small intestine,
and may definitely feel worse when it finely reaches the large intestine,
Vater's source organ.
When food has reached the large intestine of a Pitta person, he/she
may feel alleviation of Pitta symptoms, yet may commence to feel
unwell when food is in the stomach, and aggravated when it reaches
the small intestine, Pitter's source organ.
Food that reaches the small intestine tends to alleviate Kapha. It
causes accumulation of Kapha when food is in the large intestine, and
is aggravated when it appears in the stomach, Kapha!s source organ.
These effects may cause nausea and vomiting for Kapha direcdy
after eating, heartburn two hours later (Pitta) and intestinal gas and
distention several hours later (Vata) when food has reached the large
intestine.
After the increase or aggravation of the three humors by provok-
ing factors, Agni or the digestive fire weakens, thereby proViding an
ideal condition for toxins-Ama (undigested food particles) to develop
and extend along with the vitiated humor. Ama tends to block the
channels and become depOSited in weakened areas of the body. This
tends to make any treatment more complicated. Ama accumulation
with the particular humor is termed Sarna (sa= with, ama). No Ama
but clearly an unbalanced humor is termed Nirama (Nir= without
ama).
HUMOR AFFECTING FACTORS

Vata
Accumulation: Dryness with heat (heat helps to stir Vata) or other Vata
promoting qualities.
Aggravation: Coldness.
Alleviation: Heat and wetness (opposite qualities to Vata).
Pitta
Accumulation: Bile qualities (e.g. sharpness] lightness and oiliness).
Aggravation: Heat.
Alleviation: Cold and slowness or dullness (e.g. cold bitters and alterative
herbs).
Kapha
Accumulation: Cold and phlegm attributes (e.g. dampness] heaviness
and dullness).
Aggravation: Kapha qualities and heat (heat helps to stir Kapha).
Alleviation: heat] dryness] lightness (anti-Kapha).
DISEASE PROCESS
The humors tend to accumulate at their primary organs] that is the:
• Large Intestine for Vata
• Small Intestine for Pitta
• Stomach for Kapha.
Concurrently, three other factors can also occur:
(1) Dislike to qualities which increased them.
(2) Need for substances of opposite characteristics.
(3) Movement out of their primary sites and invasion of various
tissues and organs (like a flood).
There will be a dislike of foods or substances similar or like the ones
which caused the accumulation.
The natural need or desire for opposite types of substances which
will decrease the humor] will be quite pronounced.
Aggravation will then tend to lead towards further complications
not only affecting the organ of primary site but also other tissues and
organs.
A person of Yata type constitution] when suffering from a Yata
dysfunction] will dislike cold and dry-types of foods: e.g. melon] dry
fruits. At the same time] the person will be attracted to substances
which normally decrease the humor (e.g. musk oil or similar Yata
alleviating substances). On continuation of Yata aggravation] the
problem will often reach other tissues] like the joints (or other weak
points of the body) and will cause dryness of jOints and consequent
pain in the area (as in arthritis).
The humors must be returned to their site of accumulation for
alleviation] and for total eradication of dis-ease. Ayurveda has a
thorough method of eradicating the dis-ease by cleaning out the
primary sites or the three hollow organs-stomach] small intestine
and large intestine. This cleansing procedure is called Pancha Karma]
the ((Five TherapiesJJ• A very careful method of therapeutic vomiting
to expel Kapha from the stomach] purgation to eradicate Pitta from
the small intestine, and enema treatments to dispel Yata from the colon
are usually undertaken. These cleansings follow carefully prepared
introductory treatments (massage and sauna type). However] there
will be times when Pancha karma will not be suitable and where
acupuncture may provide a better alternative. These contra-indications
include old age, childhood] debility, heart disease] bleeding menstrua-
tion] ulcerative colitis] organ prolapse, diabetes] acute fevers] enlarg-
ed spleen] lymphatic congestion] diarrhea] etc.
Knowledge of the aggravated humor will allow acupuncture treat-
ment of the primary site organ. This means that the stomach can
be treated for Kapha] small intestine for Pitta and large intestine for
Yata] by puncturing the appropriate organ channel (nadi). This will
tend to balance the organ and allow the natural healing forces of the
body to expel the accumulated substances.
By balancing the appropriate hollow organ] any toxins which are
retained within are allowed to exit. Accumulations of toxins elsewhere
in the tissues are no longer restrained there by the pressure held in
the hollow organ. The additional use of bitter and pungent herbs can
assist in dislodging the toxins (ama) from the tissues, and help to bum
them up or expel them. Due to the Wind-Ether elements of bitter
herbs, Ama is dislodged and due to the Fire and Wind elements of
pungent herbs, it is burned up or consumed as these two also help
to rekindle Agni, the digestive fire.
Massage can also assist in channelling Ama (toxins) out of the body
by improving circulation.
This is why Acupuncture is an accessory but extremely important
therapy.
AGGRAVATION OF HUMORS
Humors are aggravated according to the follOWing priority list:
1. Mental and emotional factors (stress).
2. Diet.
3. Lifestyle.
4. Environmental factors.
Number one on the list has consequence in aggravating the humors
the most, while the environmental factors (number 4) normally have
the least. In other words, environmental factors take longer to affect
the humor than emotional factors. This is why (emotional) stress can
be the underlying cause of most diseases. Mental or emotional fac-
tors, due to their direct connection with Prana via its subtle qualities,
are the most likely to aggravate first.
During the last several years there has been a proliferation of many
types of diseases. Most of the patients who attend the clinic suffer
primarily from some form of stress. This stress is the emotional fac-
tors which we have mentioned above. As stress levels in our SOciety
increase, so will the incidence of disease. The stress factors are anger,
hate, fear, frustration, anxiousness, etc. In a current report, unemployed
youths of a major district of South Australia were found to require
more surgical operations than in districts where the unemployment
levels were lower. ObViously, the stress caused by unemployment led
to the necessity for surgery.
The second most prevalent imbalance-causing factor is diet. Due

to the current trend of eating junk foods and adding synthetic
chemicals and additives to food, increased prescriptions of synthetic
chemical drugs, our diet today is by far the worst ever. Fifty to one
hundred years ago, the foods were more organic and pure. Synthetic
chemicals were hardly ever used. Irradiation of foods by microwave
energy and other similar processes kill the pranic energy which ex-
ists in natural foods. This pranic energy therefore becomes deficient
in the human body.
The third factor is lifestyle. Due to the two factors previously outlined
and the faster pace of our lives today, society is slowly poisoning itself.
Our lifestyle has a more hectic pace and can influence our health. The
lifestyle includes loud music, eating while watching television or with
loud noises, over indulgence in physical exercises where the nervous
system can be overtaxed, excessive, prolonged work schedules, no time
for reflection or meditation, excessive partying, etc.
The last is environmental factors, which include the weathelj living
standards and other similar conditions. In some cases, environmen-
tal factors nowadays contribute to our ills like never before. Pollution,
for instance, allows greater oxidation of foods and tissues. Anti-
oxidants are therefore in vogue today, but are they also synthetic and
adding to the problem?
Environmental (atmospheric) factors of a natural kind can be divided
into six natural types. When in excess, they can aggravate the ap-
propriate humor (which has a similar quality).
(1) Dryness-Prana
(2) Summer heat-Ether
(3) Wind- Wind
(4) Heat-Fire
(5) Dampness-Water
(6) Cold-Earth
Unfortunately, our society is badly unbalanced in all four con-
tributing factors. Our grandparents may have had only to contend
with one or perhaps two of these factors. Today we suffer from all
of their effects.
It is therefore imperative that we:
(a) Do not retain built-up emotions or tension7like anger and hate.
(b) Attain a more organic and better diet. Eat foods which are suitable
for the constitution and not just because they happen to be natural.
Always remembex:, that fruit/vegetables available out of season may
not be as good for us as those only available when in season. There
is a reason for nature to have imposed seasonal conditions on some
foods.
(c) Take more time out to relax and meditate. Slow down the fran-
tic pac<; and perhaps practice more meditative activities like Yoga or
Tai Chi. Breathe deeply and slowly as often as possible (intake of
Prana).
(d) Ensure to take appropriate action to balance the humors during
the various seasons of the year. Pitta should watch out for summex:,
Kapha for winter and spring and Vata for autumn. The seasons are
a natural means of diagnosis7so that they highlight the internal con-
dition of the body. The appearance of a cold7for instanc<; is a natural
indication that the person has a build-up of toxins and unwanted
material which the body needs to expel. Suppressing the cold ensures
that these undesirables are retained7and they form the basis of more
serious medical problems in the near future. A famous professor once
said the seasons are "your own7 free medical practitioner!7
As a preventive measur<; we should indulge in regular massage or
acupuncture treatments to balance the system and retain health. It
is normally recommended that each person should have a preven-
tive treatment at least once a month.
SIX STAGES OF DISEASE

(1) Accumulation
The causes of accumulation in the respective site are
psychological/emotional factors7incorrect diet7lifestyle or environmen-
tal effects.
PITTA-Small Intestine. Fever7burning feeling hyperaCidity, yellow
urine or feces, irritability and anger, bitter taste. The patient seeks
coolness.
VATA-Large intestine. Abdominal distention, constipation, fear,
fatigue, dryness, insomnia. The patient seeks warmth.
KAPHA-Stomach. Tiredness, bloating, paleness, heaviness, indiges-
tion. The patient seeks food of a light nature.
(2) Aggravation
Increase of humors in their respective sites increases the strength
of symptoms, and reflects symptoms elsewhere in the body.
PITTA - Much acidity and regurgitation, abdominal (burning) pain,
great thirst, loss of strength and insomnia.
VATA -Constipation, pain or spasms in abdomen, noises, wind and
distention of abdomen.
KAPHA - Lack of appetite, nausea, indigestion, salivation, heavy feel-
ing in the head and chest areas and sleeping to excess.
(3) Flooding
The humors, after filling up their respective sites of accumulation
and after being aggravated furthelj begin to overflow into the rest of
the body by a flooding action, especially via the blood. They are still
general symptoms not quite localized in one area.
PITTA-Inflamation of skin, headaches (temporal type), conjunc-
tivitis, high fevers, dizziness, vomiting of bile and burning-type
diarrhea.
VATA-Dry skin, stiffness and pain in joints, pain in lower back,
spasms, headaches (especially in the OCcipital area and top of the head),
convulsions, dry coughs, intermittent-type fevers, abdominal pain and
constipation.
KAPHA-Cough, labored breathing, swollen glands, swelling of
jOints, low grade fevers, mucus in the feces, vomiting.
(4) Displacement
Humors reposition themselves in other sites which are often the
most weak and vulnerable in the body. These weaknesses are often
inherited (constitution) and sometimes created by the person him/

herself. The symptoms are of a more specific nature as in (arthritic
type) pain in the joints. The displacement often is to targeted areas
which belong to each individual constitution.
(5) Manifestation
Humors manifest specific symptoms which can be readily recogniz-
ed as clinical indications or disease names (e.g. arthritis7asthma etc.).
This is the stage that perhaps modern medicine tends to recognize
and then tries to treat. Usually symptoms experienced before this stage
are often delegated by the medical practitioner as ((it is all in your head77
or ((there is nothing wrong with yoU!7 This tends to apply to about
eighty percent of patients visiting medical practitioners. However,
given tim<; the symptoms will totally manifest and then when it is
obvious7the pronouncement of a disease is then carried out. Isn't this
leaving things a bit too late'?
As an example, a male patient attended the clinic wanting to give
up smoking by acupuncture treatment. Diagnosis showed a definite
imbalance in the heart and prognosis was not too good7in our opin-
ion. The patient was requested to seek his medical physician for
further tests. Upon failure of the medical system tests to demonstrate
anything wrong in the heart7 the patient was told to go away and
avoid ((quacks77• He did not return to our clinic ever again.
Approximately eight months later, a new female patient approached
the clinic for treatment. It appeared as though she was a friend of the
first patient who wanted to give up smoking. We were told by her
that the male patient7 after being pronounced to have a "healthy'7
heart by the medical system7 had in fact suddenly died of a heart
attack about six months after his visit to our clinic. The female
patient commented: "Well Doctor, you obviously saw something that
the others didn't see'? Thaes why I am here now!77
(6) Flowering
Unless the underlying factor is healed7 the symptoms will diver-
sify or progress to other sites7and the humors will there manifest their
own characteristics. Complex symptoms will then develop as in ar-

thritic pain with degeneration of joints and bones. This can be con-
sidered as the chronic stage of disease and one which will take much
time and effort to improve] if at all.
It is fitting that the concept of the six stages of disease outlined above
normally resembles the Wheel of Destruction of the Five Elements.
PRANA
(1) Accumulation is analogous to Prana. It is the most subtle com-
mencement of disease since Prana is the most subtle force. The symp-
toms at this stage are the most mild and least physical (general
discomfort).
ETHER
(2) Aggravation is akin to EtheIj since this element is more physical
than Prana. Aggravation is more physical than accumulation] but still
it is subtle. The symptoms are then stronger.
WIND
(3) Flooding is much like Wind] since this element causes move-
ment into other areas. This occurs because the offending humor has
completely filled its site of accumulation. Wind helps it to overspill
into other parts of the bodlj although still not localized.
FIRE
(4) Displacement is like Fire. Since this element stirs the unbalanced
humor (dosha) which has been taken into other locations by Wind]
it then helps to take a hold there.
WATER
(5) Manifestation is analogous to WateIj since it is the physical
manifestation. Water is the second most physical element. This then
forms a disease entity which can be recognized. Water is the element
of cohesion] allOWing the disease a full foothold.
EARTH
(6) Flowering is similar to Earth, since this is the most physical ele-
ment and the imbalance has reached its most physical form. The
solidification and diversification (Earth) of the imbalance into a full-
blown disease with other symptoms has now occurred. Symptoms
represented there can now be correlated to qualities of the three humors
(doshas) when unbalanced.
WHEEL OF DESTRUCTION DISEASE STAGES

1. Prana Accumulation
2. Ether Aggravation
3. Wind Flooding
4. Fire Displacement
5. Water Manifestation
6. Earth Flowering
DISEASE PATHWAYS
Ayurveda recognizes three disease pathways.5 A disease normally
enters the first, then leads into the second and finally ends in the third
pathwa}) which is then the deepest form of the disease.
The body's disease pathways mirror the humors as follows:
(1) Inner pathway is connected with Kapha.
(2) Outer pathway is connected with Pitta.
(3) Central pathway is connected with Yata.
Inner Pathway (Kapha)

This consists of the storer or hollow organs of the bod}) but speci-
fically those dealing with the process of digestion: stomach, small
intestine and large intestine-which comprise the gastro-intestinal
tract. Through food and water, the humors accumulate, are aggravated
and develop in these three. These are superficial types of symptoms
and normally are easy to treat. This pathway is the most superficial
and in contact with the external world. It relates to Earth and Water,
since food normally consists of these two elements and they are first
digested before the other elements.
Outer Pathway (Pitta)

As an imbalance continues] the next or outer pathway becomes in-
volved and consists of the skin] blood and lymphatics. It is essential-
ly dealing with the circulatory system. At this point we encounter
the second most difficult problem to treat. This pathway relates to
Fire and Water. Skin rashes] circulation and lymphatic problems nor-
mally appear in this Outer pathway.
Central Pathway (\ilta)

This consists of the inner tissues like bone" muscle etc.] as they are
found between the inner and outer pathways. This is the last stage
of disease and hardest to treat. It usually relates to Vata] as this humor
deals with degeneration.
The Central Disease Pathway affects the inner organs and tissues]
and is more deep-seated than the other two. Using this logic then]
a Vata disease" like degenerative arthritis with wearing away of bones
is more difficult to treat than a disease relating to Kapha] like a com-
mon cold.
The most complicated and difficult disease to treat is that which
involves all three pathways and the three humors] and which has
reached the sixth stage of disease. This occurs in cancer.
PROVOCATION DURING TIMES OF DAY

During the dalj the humors can be aggravated as follows:
Kapha is provoked during the morning and evening.
Pitta is provoked during midday and midnight.
Vata is provoked during the afternoon and early morning.
Each humor can be alleviated by the period immediately follow-
ing it] and accumulates during the period before it.
Provocation is usually severely worse during the morning for Kapha
due to excess accumulation] during the night for Pitta and early
morning for Vata.
Dosha Aggravated Alleviated Accumulates

Kapha morning midday afternoon
evening midnight early morning
Pitta midday afternoon morning
midnight early morning evening
Vata early morning morning midnight
afternoon evening noon
lYPES OF DISEASES
There are three types of diseases, roughly corresponding to Vata,
Pitta and Kapha. These three types are progressive so that one follows
the next.
A healthy individual has a strong immune system and a balanced
nervous system. The immune system has the power to repair and
to destroy unwanted foreign bodies. The nervous system (especially
the Autonomic Nervous System) is the communication network by
which the immune system can properly function. The nervous system
must be balanced before health can be achieved. German medical ex-
pert (and Ayurvedic physician) Dr. Horst Poehlmann explains that
a specific type of antibody is usually created as a response to a par-
ticular type of antigen (foreign body). The body knows which one
to produce and dispatch to the area according to the specific antigen
present. Howeve~ when the area is anesthetized, there is no antibody
produced as a response, to fight the antigen. This is explained by the
fact that the nervous system in the latter case was not functioning
in the arm due to the anesthetic (messages were not sent to the brain
to initiate an appropriate response).
Impairment or suppression of the nervous system can Similarly im-
pair the immune system, and this is why when under a general
anesthetic, the patient must be kept in a totally sterile operating theater
environment in order to prevent complications due to temporary
lowered immunity. These conditions are not totally necessary if the
patient receives acupuncture analgesia during an operation, since the
immune system is still functioning via an alert nervous system,

everywhere else in the body.
Stress, being a type of nervous energ)) can directly attack the ner-
vous system (via Vata), which then prevents correct communication
and allows immune suppression.
(1) Acute Diseases
These are imbalances in the human organism and the symptoms
are natural reactions of the body while trying to heal itself. These are
normally self-limiting imbalances which may include diarrhoea,
vomiting, sneezing, belching, fever; inflammation, swelling, conges-
tion, redness and pain. The body is then drastically attempting to rid
itself of accumulated poisons. The symptoms are therefore purging
reactions which are in most cases totally necessal)) although not
always desired by the patient. As an example, the normal childhood
diseases, like chicken pox, measles, mumps, whooping cough etc. are
natural purging actions of the body, which are necessary if the child
is to build a strong immune system. Consequently, their suppression
(by vaCcines, etc.) may result in complications at a later stage of life
(this is often termed ({echo diseases"). For instance, the triple antigen
vaccine (DPT) has been implicated in causing SIDS or Cotdeath in
infants according to a recent study. Dr. Viera Scheibner; Ph.D., in a
paper titled ''Association Between Non-Specific Stress Syndrome, DPT
Injections and Cot Death" (2nd Immunization Medical Conference,
Canberra, Australia 1991) found that follOWing vaccinations, babies'
breathing patterns would radically change, and be reduced to 10 percent
of their normal amount.
Dr. Scheibner says:
"!nitiaIlYt we did not know about the controversy surrounding vaccination.
~ merely observed that vaccination was the Single greatest cause of stress
in small babies and also the Single greatest factor preceeding cot death in
a large number ofcases. ~ found numerous Scientific reports that vaccinated
and unvaccinated children contract the relevant infectiOUS disease at approx-
imately the same rate, or that vaccinated children are even more susceptible
to the infectious disease. Babies may and do die for up to 25 or more days
after vaccination and still as a consequence of the toxic effects of the vaccines./!
Ayurveda believes that these childhood diseases occur due to the

need for the child to shed its temporary protective system inherited
from the mother) in order to develop his/her own.
A fever) for instance) warms the body and creates various reactions
which are contradictory to the proliferation of germs) bacteria etc. This
is similar to boiling some water in order to sterilize it. So a fever is
often necessary for health) but due care should be taken in cases of
prolonged high fever) where the body is depleting itself of nutrients.
A common cold (runny nose) expectoration of phlegm) etc.) is often
necessary for expulsion of toxins and waste) accumulated during
specific seasons. Frequent colds normally demonstrate that toxins are
being ineffectively eliminated and the body needs help.
(2) Chronic Diseases

These are serious imbalances which result from the acute disease
not being resolved correctly. This can often occur from the suppres-
sion of the acute symptoms. They invariably are self-perpetuating
and treatment is necessary. By suppressing the acute symptoms with
drugs (e.g. anti-biotics for a cold)) chronic diseases develop. Examples
of these include asthma) chronic tonsillitis) acne) bronchitis) etc. If not
treated and eliminated) these diseases will graduate in seriousness) con-
tinuing to retain more and more poisons in the bodJj with the im-
mune system virtually ({throwing its hands in the air and giving up:)
Suppression of the acute symptoms can easily be done by poisoning
the immune system either on purpose or otherwise by artificial
chemicals including drugs. The immune system cannot then react
which means that its natural symptoms of redness) inflammation)
pain) swelling and restriction in function in order to aid repair are no
longer allowed expression. The inflammation and pain of symptoms
of tonsillitis may be removed by antibiotics) but retention and build-
up of toxins in the body will increase., causing future chronic health
problems.
(3) Chronic Degenerative Diseases

These are often fatal if not checked, and usually cause gradual
degeneration of the body. These include cancet; pneumonia, leukemia,
aids, alzheimer's disease, etc. Chronic degenerative diseases are usually
the result of suppression of acute symptoms via the immune system,
which then evolve into chronic diseases and later become degenerative.
This is why statistics demonstrate that in Australia toda}) like most
Western countries, one in three people die from cancer. Yet, this disease
is virtually unknown in areas where the Western way of life and
medicine have litde effect, like parts of Tibet and South America.
It is well known that in the case of AIDS, which is a disease
characterized by immune defiCiency (low Ojas), only those people
who originally have a weak immune system seem to die from com-
plications, while those who have a strong immune system either do
not suffer or indeed do not contract HIV The use of illicit drugs tends
to weaken the immune system by damaging the nervous system.
Thus, drug addicts are gready at risk. The immune system cannot
function correcdy without a correcdy functioning nervous system.
In order to treat chronic degenerative diseases, the immune system
must be sensitized once again, which will take the disease to the
chronic stage. Then it will turn back to the acute stage before health
can be restored.
Ms. T appeared at our clinic with chronic depression and wanted
natural treatment after trying all forms of allopathic therapies including
electric shock therap}) without avail.
After initial treatment and a healthier diet, she began to lose un-
wanted weight. Also, the depression disappeared as well as several
other symptoms. The strange thing was that she suddenly contracted
an acute case of tonsillitis and straight away sought medical advice.
Antibiotics were prescribed for her condition. The tonsillitis symp-
toms subsided but the depression returned. After further treatment
in our clinic by which the pOisons (including antibiotics) were allowed
to exit the bod}) the depression once again totally disappeared and
health improved once again. The tonsillitis occurred because the body
was once again reacting correctly and was trying to resolve years of
accumulated problems. The healing reactions are sometimes referred
to as the "healing crisis:'
Mrs. C. tried all types of medicines in order to fix her cracking,
bleeding skin problem on her hands before turning up at our clinic's
doorstep. After treatment, her skin condition improved but she then
developed a mild case of diarrhoea. Lucky for her; she did not seek
suppressive medication for the diarrhea, which subsided on its own.
Immediately after; the skin condition totally improved since the tox-
ins had been allowed a way out of the body (via the diarrhea).
In both cases, the symptoms of diarrhea and tonsillitis were natural
symptoms by which the body was trying to rid itself of poisons. Sup-
pression of the symptoms in the first case with antibiotics returned
the patient back to her original condition of depreSSion. Non-
suppression of the symptoms in the latter case permitted the poisons
to exit the body (via diarrhea), and allowed the immune system to
heal the original complaint. Needless to sa}) both patients were more
than pleased with the final results.
Ayurveda considers Ojas as the subtle essence of the immune system
and as such, when Ojas is lo\\) the immune system is weak. It then
allows chronic and degenerative diseases to develop. By increasing
Ojas, we produce a strong immune system, and can then remove all
traces of chronic or degenerative diseases (in cases where the degenera-
tion can be repaired by the body itself). We must remember though,
that while doing so we may experience some natural symptoms, the
natural signs of healing.
Ayurveda believes that not only wrong diets, lifestyle etc. can in-
terfere with the health process, causing a dysfunction, but that exter-
nal factors like contagious epidemiCS can sometimes Similarly affect
the person. In most cases though, Ayurveda believes that these
epidemics will generally affect those with a lowered immune system,
especially children, infirmed and old people. EpidemiCS usually never
kill all the population of an affected region, but instead only those
most at risk. When the West first entered into Japan) the healthy
population did not become affected by Westem diseases) but only those
people who were more at risk. Ayurveda also believes that a bad seed
(disease) can only grow in soil which allows it to grow (unhealthy
body). By increasing immunity and balancing the nervous system)
most) if not all) of these dysfunctions can be prevented or eliminated.
Notes:
1. Charaka Samhitta, XXVI [10].
2. Ibid.) p. 452)
3. Ibid.) p. 452)
4. Ibid.) Vol. 1) p. 463.
CHAPTER VI
DIAGNOSIS
In Ayurvedic medicine] there are many and varied forms of
diagnostic procedures. The whole body continues to output infor-
mation about the internal conditions by various means and in many
areas of the body. Observation and proper deduction of these signs
allowed the ancient ayurvedic physicians to formulate their forms of
diagnosis.
The body has an internal language which has to be correctly inter-
preted to be understood. The physician is in fact an interpreter who
reads the signs and translates them into human language. These signs
include pain] inflammation] fever and physical marks which appear
or affect various parts of the body. These areas relate to organs] humors]
etc. so that their location can be useful in diagnOSing the area affected.
For instanc~ pain in the back of the leg (sciatica) can often demonstrate
an imbalance of Vata] affecting the Bladder channel and the kidney.
As a result] Ayurveda outlines three procedures for diagnosis. Every
form of diagnosis slots into one of these three. These are generally
carried out during every Ayurvedic diagnostic consultation.
1. Observation (Darshana)
Any procedure which involves observing an area of the body,
whether it be the eye/iris] ear, tongue] face] etc. in order to ascertain
the exact cause of disease is referred to as observation.
2. Palpation (Sparshana)
Palpation involves probing touching or tapping the body, and in-
cludes procedures such as pulse reading auricular, body and abdominal
marma point palpation.
3. Questioning (Prashna)
Questioning (also called interrogation) involves finding out infor-
99
mation about the patientJ either from the patient him/herself or else
an attendant. Family history may often be necessary in order to ascer-
tain a common hereditary thread for the disease or complaint in
question.
COMMON DIAGNOSES
1. Tongue observation.
2. Pulse palpation.
3. Iris and eye observation.
4. Facial signs.
5. Abdominal palpation.
6. Body marma points palpation.
7 Ear points (auricular) palpation.
8. Urine and saliva analysis.
9. Lips observation.
10. Finger/toe nails observation.
Palpation of the whole abdominal area can identify areas of painJ

inflammation etc. according to the anatomical position of the underly-
ing organs like the liver:, intestines and spleen. Coldness would relate
to congestion and lack of flow of blood J primarily caused by a lack
of flow of Prana through the channels.
Palpation of the major lymph nodes can Similarly identify conges-
tion in the lymphatic system when pain sensitivity is present there.
Referred pain is the pain which is located in an area remote to the
source of the problem. For instance, science knows that a liver dysfunc-
tion can demonstrate pain in the right shoulder:, between the neck
and arm. Lung dysfunction can show pain on the left side of the
shouldersJ opposite to the liver. The body, via the channelsJ has other
referred types of pain and symptoms which J when understoodJ can
demonstrate the source of the problemJ normally remote from the
location of the symptom.
Correct massage of the lymph nodes in the breast areaJ especially
in womenJ can often serve as a preventive measure against lumps and
Diagnosis 101
tumors. Breast examination (including breast self examination; B.s.E.)

is important to diagnose the existence of lumps etc; but lymphatic
massage of the breasts will often prevent lumps from developing in
the first place.
A complete and thorough examination is therefore required to be
carried out with every new patient. The diagnostic procedures outlined
above can therefore assist in attaining a true picture of the patient and
his/her malady.
PULSE DIAGNOSIS (Nadi Pariksha)

In order to ascertain the internal imbalances of the body, Ayurveda
recommends various diagnostic procedures. One of these is the Pulse
Diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) which is often taken at the site of the radial
bone/artery in the arm (Fig. 14). It should be explained that since the
pulses deal with minute amounts of energetic currents which; like
electricity, are invisible; their detection requires experience and prac-
tice. An experienced safecracker develops a similar sensitivity by con-
stant practice over a long time; in order to open combination safes.
The radial pulse at the wrist site contains three positions which
highlight the conditions of the three humors: Vata; Pitta and Kapha.
An imbalance in one of these humors will demonstrate a certain quali-
ty in the pulse; at the appropriate location.
The word Nadi which normally means channel or conduit is also
translated as iipulse; because it is via the nadis (pranic channels) that
the radial pulses receive information about the internal condition of
the humors or indeed the organs.
The humors are located in both wrists according to their phYSical
positioning in the body. Vata is found at the first point of both wrists;
which represents the lowest area of the trunk; the Vata Area. This
is the area below the navel which relates to Vata and its related organs
like the kidney; large intestine and reproductive system.
Pitta is found in the middle position of the wrist and is found in
the middle position of the trunk. This is the area between the navel
and the breathing diaphragm.
/ KAPHA '"
~--- ---~-
PITTA
"
VATA
Fig. 14 The Organ and Humor Pulses

Diagnosis 103
Kapha is located at the last or third point in a similar manner to

the trunk. This is the area above the breathing diaphragm, or highest
portion of the human trunk.
QUALITIES
The humoral pulses have unique qualities which allow a practitioner
to correctly identify them.
Vata
When Vata is aggravated, the quality of the pulse has a snake-like,
slithering feel. This tends to be erratic, with mostly uneven pulses,
including missed heartbeats. Vata aggravation usually leads to a very
fast heartbeat, somewhere above 80 beats per minute. The more Vata
is unbalanced the more Vata-type the pulse becomes. In fact, at the
time of death which is the Vata stage, the pulse can reach 160 beats
per minute. Vata has an irregular, feeble, fast pulse.
Pitta
When Pitta is aggravated, the feel of the pulse has a definite frog-
like movement. This is similar to the feeling of jumping on a {{Pogo
stick" -that is: "poing poing poing poing:' It is prominent and most-
ly even. The aggravation of Pitta demonstrates a heartbeat of 70-80
beats per minute. Pitta has a prominent, jumping excited pulse, which
not only resembles a jumping frog but also the flaring of a fire (with
which it is related).
Kapha
When Kapha is aggravated, it demonstrates the graceful movements
of a swan. It is generally soft and even. When aggravation of Kapha
occurs, the heartbeat tends to also be affectedj it is usually under 65
beats per minute. Consequently, Kapha aggravation leads to extreme
relaxationj no {{get-up and go:' Kapha has a slow, strong and regular
pulse and often resembles the movement of a river (Water) with which
it is related.
PULSE QUALITIES IN SUMMARY

Superficial pulse: The pulse response when superficial pressure is
applied. Loss of pulse detection occurs when deep pressure is applied.
This type of pulse is usually indicative of acute conditions of an ex-
ternal nature.
Deep pulse: Pulse responds to deep pressure but is not obvious at
a superfiCial level. This occurs with dysfunctions of a deep seated
nature; affecting the interior organs and systems-the Central Disease
Pathway
Fast pulse: Indicative of Vata or Pitta syndromes. Vata will be fast
and weak, while Pitta will be fast and strong. Excessive rapid pulse
is nevertheless related to Vata syndromes.
Slow pulse: Indicative of a Kapha syndrome. Generally, it is 60 bpm
or less with a broad and even nature.
Medium pulse: A pulse between 60-80 bpm is indicative of Pitta
syndromes. This pulse is strong like a jumping frog.
Irregular pulse: An irregular or missed beat pulse is indicative of
Vata syndromes, that is, with the quality of the Wind.
Wiry pulse: A wiry pulse feels as though you are pressing on a tight
guitar string. It is taut and forceful. Normally this occurs with Fire
syndromes.
Rolling pulse: A rolling pulse is the Kapha type pulse which is
smooth, flOWing and forceful.
Thready pulse: This is the fine pulse of Vata.
TAKING THE PULSE
When taking the pulse; the physician will place the first, middle
and ring fingers on the three locations of the radial pulse of the pa-
tient, just below the radial (wrist) bone. The patient's wrist should
be relaxed and slightly flexed. The first finger of the physician on the
first pOSition, will detect Vata because according to Ayurveda this finger
represents and is related to the Wind element. The middle finge~ being
connected to the Fire element is best able to detect Pitta at the middle
position. The ring finger on the third position detects Kapha because
Diagnosis 105
it is related to the Water element. In reality, each of the five digits is

related to one of the Five Elements and their order of appearance is
according to the Wheel of Creation (Fig. 15). The thumb relates to
the first element Ether, the index to Wind, the middle finger to Fire,
ring finger to Water and lastly; the little finger to Earth, the last most
physical element.
The more unbalanced or aggravated the humor, the more promi-
nent will be the pulse at the appropriate location. This tends to be
more noticeable at the first location (index finger) or Yata point for
Yata, the second point (middle finger) for Pitta, and the third point
(ring finger) for Kapha. Besides the location of the prominent pulse,
the quality of the pulse should also be taken into account, which
together will normally occur.
Traditionally; the pulse of a male is taken on the right wrist because
Ayurveda outlines the right side of the body as the Pitta, male side.
The female is taken on the left wrist, as this is the (Kapha) negative,
female side. It is often that male patients will tend to have more
prominent pulses on the right wrist, while females will appear on
the left. However:, the pulses should be taken on both sides of the body;
that is, the right and left radial pulses for each patient. Normally three
readings are taken when examining the pulse. The pressure of the three
fingers must be even to insure a correct reading.
Organ Pulses
Not only does the radial pulse reflect the balance or imbalance of
the three humors, they also demonstrate the conditions of each of
the major human organs. This is achieved by the pulses' connection
with the organs via a set of internal pranic channels which connect
with the pulse and carry pranic currents:
'These currents (trculate through the blood, passing through the vittllorgans
such as the liver, kidne}) heart. By feeling the superficial and deep pulsations,
the sensitive examiner can detect the conditions of these various organs." l
The deep pressure on the radial pulse always detects the condition
of the solid organs-for example, the liver, heart and kidney. Super-
Fig. 15 The Pulses and the Five Elements

Diagnosis 107
ficial pressure detects the hollow organs-e.g. the small and large in-
testines, bladder and stomach.
The location of each organ on the radial pulse is according to, and
dependent on, the Five Elements and the physical location of each
solid organ in the body. Where the organ, such as the heart, is located
in the chest (thoracic) area, the organ is detected in the first pulse loca-
tion. If the organ is in the middle position of the trunk, it is Similarly
located in the middle position of the three pulses. Where the organ,
such as the kidney, is located below the navel, then it is located on
the third position of the pulse.
First pulse location

The heart located in the thoracic cavity is positioned in the first loca-
tion of left wrist.
As the lung is physically located also in the thoracic area, it is found
in the first position of the right wrist.
Second pulse location

The liver is in the middle position, on the right side of the trunk.
It is found in the middle position of the right wrist.
LikeWise, the spleen is located in this middle position but on the
lefr side of the trunk. It is located in the middle position of the lefr wrist.
Third pulse location

The kidney is physically located in the lower aspect of the trunk
so that it is found in the third pulse position of the left wrist.
Some ancient experts also attribute the third position of the right
wrist pulse to the kidney (since there are two of these organs in the
body). Some other experts relate the third position of the right wrist
pulses to the pericardium, an organ which is energetically related to
Kapha (Water) or fluid flow in the body. The pericardium is also con-
nected with the heart, since it is the sack which surrounds the latter.
The other type of organs (the hollow ones), are located in the pulses
according to their connection with the Five Elements. Where an organ
is related to a particular element, it is found in the same location as

its related solid organ. For instance, since the small intestine is related
to the heart due to the Fire element, these two organs are located in
the same pulse location (first position, left wrist). This also applies
to the other organs. The solid organs are detected with deep pressure,
while the hollow organs are detected with superficial pressure.
LEFT Pulse Superficial Deep Related Element

1. Small Intestine Heart Fire
2. Stomach Spleen Earth
3. Bladder Kidney Water (Vata)
RIGHT Pulse Superficial Deep Related Element

1. Large Intestine Lung Wind
2. Gallbladder Liver Ether
3. Tridosha Pericardium Water
TONGUE DIAGNOSIS Uihva)

The tongue, like other parts of the body. can be utilized in our quest
for a correct diagnosis. The state of health of the body is continuous-
ly reflected on the tongut; as it is on the pulses, and much informa-
tion can be gathered from it. This information includes the condition
of the gastro-intestinal tract, unbalanced humors and organs and ac-
cumulation of toxins (undigested particles of digestion: Ama). Also,
information on nutritional deficiencies and emotional imbalances can
be found.
Tongue proper: The tongue itself can reveal information on the three
humors (Fig. 16). It resembles the constitutional attributes such as a
thin, small/long trembling tongue for Vata, a large, thick and roun-
dish tongue for Kapha and a medium sized tongue for Pitta. Mark-
ings on the tongue can be correlated with dysfunctions in the major
organs and or parts of the body.
Color: The color of the tongut; normally pink in health also reveals
similar information.
Diagnosis 109
SPINE
I
Fig. 16 The Tongue-Organ and Humor Locations

Vata shows a pale tongue (normal lack of heat for Vata).

Pitta demonstrates a reddish tongue (heat).
Kapha shows a pale and whitish tongue (lack of heat).
Coating
The coating on the tongue (usually very thin or nonexistent in a
healthy body) shows possible accumulation of toxins along with possi-
ble aggravation of the humors. A thick tongue coating indicates a mass
bUild-up of toxins in the body.
Thick/white coating-represents accumulation of toxins (Ama).
Yellow/greasy coating-shows Ama fermentation with possible heat
build up. Possible sodium phosphate deficiency.
Brown/black coating- Vata aggravation.
Yellow coating-Pitta aggravation (with some Ama).
White/mucous coating - Kapha aggravation and possible potassium
chloride deficiency.
Vata dysfunctions may lead to dry tongue due to this humor!s

characteristic. Cracks on the tongue are usually attributed to chronic
derangement of Vata or excess high Pitta (heat).
Pitta imbalances may lead to a red and dry tongue due to heat energy
consuming fluids. In a condition which includes toxins (Ama)! the
tongue will be moist.
Kapha imbalances are usually indicated by excessive mucous or
moisture on the tongue.
Geography of humors
The tongue can be divided into three sections in accordance with
the three humors. It also mirrors the way these are located in the trunk.
Kapha is located above the diaphragm (in the thorax)! as well as in
the area near the tip of the tongue (which correlates with the thoracic
area).
The area of Pitta ranges &om the breathing diaphragm to the navel
in the trunk. This is mirrored in the area of the middle of the tongue.
Vata is located near the back of the tongue which represents the
lower area of the trunk! below the navel.
Diagnosis 111
Geography of organs
The tongue not only reflects the humors in their appropriate loca-
tions, but it also reflects the human organs. These are located accord-
ing to their positions in the human trunk, with the tip of the tongue
being the area below the neck and the back of the tongue represen-
ting the lower part of the trunk. For example, the heart is reflected
near the tip, the liver on the middle position right Side, and the kidneys
in the area at the back of the tongue. Imbalances and diseases nor-
mally show various symptoms on the tongue which can assist
diagnosis.
The spleen is found on the left side of the middle of the tongue}
directly across from the liver which is positioned on the right side.
The small intestine is found in the middle area at the back of the
tongue} in much the same manner found in the trunk. The large in-
testine is positioned like its trunk counterpart, ascending on the right
Side, transversing across and descending on the left side of the tongue.
The lungs are also located near the tip of the tongue on either side
of the heart.
Where a discoloration or sign is found on a particular part of the
tongue, then this organ is afflicted by an imbalance} according to the
characteristics demonstrated. For instance, much redness in the heart
area of the tongue may indicate excessive heat in the heart (excess Pitta).
Depressions in the lung area of the tongue may indicate delicate lungs.
Toxins in the large intestine may show up as a white coating on the
appropriate area of the tongue.
The spinal column is found in the middle of the tongue} from the
tip to the back of the tongue. When an imbalance occurs in the spine
or when emotions are retained which affect this area, signs will ap-
pear here. For instance} if a deviation occurs in the middle line (of the
tongue) then the appropriate area in the spine is affected.
A patient attended the clinic. Upon looking at the tongue during
diagnosis, the line along the middle of the tongue was found to kink
at least in three positions. This relates to three problems in the spine.
The patient was referred for chiropractic treatment. Without a word
being mentioned] the chiropractor explained to the patient that she

had three problems in the spine] the same number and locations that
we had located. Through our own individual methods] we both
arrived at the same diagnostic conclusion.
Observation of the tongue proper, the coating and geographic posi-
tion of any imbalance] will demonstrate a correct diagnosis. In com-
bination with other forms (like the pulses)] the tongue can form a
powerful tool of differential diagnOSiS.
The tongue reflects the internal conditions of the organs] humors
and systems] and is believed to be connected with them via a network
of pranic channels (nadis).
Recently, various investigators have found that puncturing the
tongue at strategiC locations] according to the plan outlined above]
does indeed achieve a therapeutic effect on the afflicted organ. Heart
problems were cured by needling the area of the heart on the tongue]
etc. However] there is some doubt in the West about regular treatment
directly on the tongue] as most patients would find it most uncom-
fortable holding the tongue outside of the mouth for any length of
time while receiving acupuncture treatment.
EAR DIAGNOSIS (Kama)

The ear or auricle is a site of Ayurvedic therapy and diagnosis.
Fascination with the ear stems back thousands of years] haVing been
recorded three thousand years ago in the Suchi Veda] or iiscience of
acupuncture] text. Contrary to the tongue; the ear is readilyaccessi-
ble to diagnosis and treatment via massaging or needling. Various
tender spots can be found in the area according to the organs which
are unbalanced. These spots are connected via nadi channels to the
appropriate organs (Fig. 17). An imbalance in an organ reflects disten-
tion or blood congestion in the ear. A problem in the leg, for instance;
can be diagnosed by pressing the (leg) area of the ear with a fine; blunt
instrument. This may show slight pain or senSitivity. A needle in this
area may release some blood when the needle is removed]
demonstrating congestion in the related organ and the ear.
Diagnosis 113
Fig.
. 17 Some Auncu
. 1ar Marmas
Although the concept of auricular acupuncture in India is ancient,

many investigators throughout the years have continued to add
knowledge to this system to arrive at what we know today. This is
also true of Ayurveda, in general, since it is a science which is alive
and without end. Some credit is given today to French neurologist
and acupuncturist, Professor Nogier, who first coined the idea that
the ear represents an upside-down foetus. Consequently, the points
for the organs and limbs in the ear exist according to their image in
the body.
One of the modern innovations is to name marmas or acupunc-
ture spots in the ear according to medical terminology of diseases-
e.g. asthma spot, lumbago point, sciatica pOint, etc. These names were
not originally utilized by Ayurvedic physicians of the past, but of
course should be incorporated in any auricular acupuncture system
today.
Ayurveda explains that the three humors (Yata, Pitta and Kapha)
are reflected in the ear according to a similar scheme as outlined in
the tongue or pulses.
Yata is positioned in the Yata area of the ear, which (because it
represents an upside down foetus) is located in the highest area of the
ear (furthermost from the lobe).
The middle pOSition of the ear roughly corresponds with Pitta, while
the lower one, just directly above the lobe, corresponds with Kapha.
The lobe itself represents the head area of the body.
The organs and other body parts are positioned in much the same
manner. The large intestine and kidney are found in the Yata area,
the liver and gall bladder in the Pitta area and the lung and heart in
the Kapha area of the ear.
There are also other areas of therapeutic valut; such as the Pain spot
(related to Yata) which treats pain and Yata type nervous disorders.
This spot also treats inflammation by cooling down the area. The
Surya (Sun) spot can be needled for the treatment of Pitta migraines
(temporal headaches). The Tridosha (3D) spot is utilized for treating
imbalances of the three humors' mutual harmony. Bronchial asthma
Diagnosis 115
is treated at a point on the lobe (1)} while hemorrhoids can be helped

by treating points in the Vata area (2) next to the Pain spot. The Im-
mune (Ojas) spot (3) near the center of the lobe is normally used to
provide increased immunity, especially during childhood and may
even increase longevity. Allergies and skin problems can be treated
by a point (4) on the helix (top of ear). (Refer to Fig. 17)
Anatomical areas like the arm} leg, chest} neck} eyes} etc. are found
in the ear almost in the same manner as they are located in the body
The needle punctures the ear to a short depth. It does not penetrate
through to the other side. The pranic energy circulating through the
ear in the channels then takes charge and retains the metal needles
in position almost as though it (energy) was a magnet. When the
needle falls out from its position} this usually indicates that there is
excess negative energy in that organ and so the expulsion of this energy
is done by removing the needle. Once the energy has balanced suffi-
ciently, the needle will be retained in the ear for an appropriate length
of time. Once it has proVided sufficient therapy to the body, the needle
in most cases will fall out} or can be eaSily pulled out without any
resistance. If the body has not quite finished} the practitioner will often
find the removal of the needle most difficult.
The needles are retained in the ear for approximately 30-60 minutes.
Treatment is carried out according to Ayurvedic diagnosis. Thus with
a Vata type problem} the Vata organs and related points can be used
for therapy Also} the concept of the Wheel of Support of the Five
Elements can Similarly be utilized in cases of excess/deficiency syn-
dromes.
Many imbalances and diseases have been successfully treated by
ear acupuncture. It is eaSily performed and the area is normally
accessible. This} in combination with needling of the body itself}
proVides a great source} not only of treatment} but diagnOSiS also.
Notes:
1. Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing p. 56.
CHAPTER VII
PART I
THE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLE (SUCHI)
Traditionally, many different types of needles were used for acu-
puncture and surgery. Some were curved, but most were straight. Some
were made of gold and some of silver.
The term for needle is ({suchi" which evolves from the word ({sue"
(pronounced sooch) and means ({to point out, indicate:' As needles
were also used for surgery, there were many different types used in
India, such as Ara, Kuthari, Atimukha and Badisha. Different lengths
and thicknesses were used dependent on the area to be needled.
The original needle was probably not much different from the ones
used today for suturing (long thin, tubular length of metal or bone).
Iurgen Thorwald relates that Ayurveda used bone or bronze needles,
both straight and bent.! Whereas the suturing needles may have
required a small hole for the insertion of a thread and a small curv-
ature along its length for ease in suturing the needle which was
utilized for acupuncture did not require them. Consequendy, various
versions of acupuncture needles were created over years of practice.
The model of traditional needle which was handed down to the
author is in fact a long thin, tubular needle, with various additions
which proVide easier handling and multiple features (Fig. 18).
These needles, originally made of gold or silver could not be dis-
carded due to their value, so consequendy, they were deSigned to last,
be sterilized and proVide multi-functions.
Handle
A needle made out of a long piece of metal (as for suturing) is not
comfortable or functional for acupuncture; therefore an appropriate
handle is often added. This handle is thicker (in diameter) than the
needle and is often (although not always) knurled or patterned to
proVide a non-slip grip for the fingers. The knurled handle needle
116
The Acupuncture Needle 117
allows scraping with the fingernail in order to promote pranic flow.

Fingerguard
Between the blade of the needle and the handle is often found a
fingerguard J which is no more than a spherical metal ball which
prevents the fingers from sliding off the handle and onto the blade.
AlsoJ it provides a safe stop when fully inserting the needles blade
through the skinJ due to its rounded features. The fingerguard
represents the chakra-the wheel of nature-and due to its curved sur-
face is safer than a straight edge.
Blade
The blade is a long, tubularJ thin strip of metal with a sharp point.
This needle point is different from a hypodermic needle in that the
suchi is similar to the point of a bullet (rounded) while the hypoder-
mic has a very sharpJ angular point. The suchi tends to push aside
muscle fibersJetc. when penetrating, while the hypodermic tends to
cut through them insteadJ causing trauma and discomfort.
End
Many needles did not have an end to themJbut rather the end was
provided by the handle. Others had a spherical type of ball (similar
to the finger guard) added to the end of the handle. This provided a
stop for the fingers when removing needles. A fascinating addition
to the suchi was a spike made out of the same metal which allowed
herbs to be spiked on the end of the handlt; then lit so that the heat
could penetrate into the body of the patientJ with the needle as the
conductor. The use of burning incense is generally attributed to the
allied art of Indian moxibustion (agni-karma) where herbs with aroma
were used according to their effects on the three constitutions or
humors. The same herbs made into a ballJcould be spiked on the nee-
dle to add heat. In most casesJ a common standard needle with all
the above features was desirable and mostly found in practice.
Although in the pastJ needles were sterilized before re-useJ today
more and more people are demanding disposable needles. Obvious-
Fig. 18
The Traditional
Needle-Suchi
Fig. 19 Needling
Bliule
a Marma
ly the latter ones cannot be made of gold or silver. In order to pro-

duce an inexpensive disposable needle, stainless steel is usually prefer-
red. It must be strong, lightweight and flexible.
It is hoped that in the near future, needle manufacturers may also
produce disposable Indian needles. This may also offer an additional
source of income for Indian manufacturers. Currentl~ Ayurvedic
acupuncturists in the West (and India) must, by necessio/J use Japanese
or Chinese-made and designed disposable needles.
Needle Insertion
The needle is inserted to a certain depth with the aid of small rota-
tions, created by the index finger and thumb of the needling hand.
As the needle is rotated it is also pushed in further into the skin (Fig. 19).
While one hand (needling hand) is used to insert the needle, the other
hand assists by either gathering the skin or by steadying the sur-
rounding area. Angle of insertion depends on the area being punc-
tured and effect desired. Needling the area near the face (where bone
is directly beneath the skin) involves a small angle between the
needle and the skin in order to avoid the bone. In areas where there
is more muscle, the needle may penetrate deeper. In the thigh, for in-
stance, the angle of the needle can be at 90 degrees to the skin and
may have deeper penetration due to more muscle availability
By puncturing against the direction of the channel's energy (Prana)
flo\\j the amount of energy in the organ or channel can be reduced
if desired. This normally equates with sedating
By puncturing with the direction of the flow of energy in the chan-
nel, the energy will tend to be increased in the channel or organ. This
results in a tonifying effect. These effects are often necessary in ex-
cess and deficiency syndromes.
After insertion of the needle in the corresponding marma or pOint,
the pranic energy will tend to grab the needle point and begin a
therapeutic effect. When Prana {{grabs'~ the needle will become
erect and firm. When this occurs, the needle will not be able to be
removed. After the induction period (up to thirty minutes), the
therapeutic effect will commence. This may continue for up to an-

other thirty minutesJ before subsiding. Removal of the needle after
only a few minutes of insertion will simply disperse energy, an effect
which sometimes may be desired.
Needle polarities
The use of a gold needle was standard in ancient India as it en-
couraged energy flow due to the heating properties of gold. Just like
boiling water has continuous movement due to the heat hom the
stove, so too gold increases movement by heating. Gold has traditional-
ly been considered as having a positive (heat) effect while silver has
a negative (cool) effect.
Ayurveda teaches that these metals have effects on the three humors
and their use has to be carefully regulated. Therefore, the type of needle
usedJ whether gold or silverJ should be considered in the light of their
balanCing or unbalancing actions on the humors.
A Pitta person with a major Pitta imbalance may indeed feel worse
when gold needles are used. The correct metal for Pitta is therefore
silver.
A Kapha person with Kapha imbalances may indeed become worse
if silver needles are used. The correct metal for Kapha is gold (heating).
A Vata patient may be assisted by the use of gold needlesJ since the
heating effect will be welcome by Vater's coolness. likewise, the use
of silver needles may Similarly help as this metaFs calming energy
will relax the {{nervesJJ of Vata. However, excess use of either one may
aggravate VataJ so caution should be exercised. The use of gold or silver
earrings can often have a similar effect.
Depth and Angle of Insertion

Depending on the area which needs to be puncturedJ the needle
may have to be inserted either deeper or more superficially. In areas
where there is sufficient muscle mass (thighsJ biceps) it can be inserted
deeper according to the marma point. This maximum depth is out-
lined for each marma in Appendix AJ at the end of this book.
Traditionall)) the fingerguard acted as a stop for the needle. An area

where a depth of one inch penetration was required could see a prac-
titioner using a needle with a one-inch long blade and insert it to the
full length of the blade} to the fingerguard. As the guard is spherical}
it caused no trauma to the skin and was used as a stop guide.
The needles used today are straight} have a long blade and a handle.
The blade is normally about 0.30 mm. thick and usually 30 mm long.
Other lengths and thicknesses are available. Some people call this type
of needle "filiform}} (L. filum = thread).
Needles are sometimes inserted at an angle to the skin} in the direc-
tion of the flow of Prana in the channel} to increase energyj against
the flow to decrease itj and at various angles according to the anatomy
of the area of the body. P is for perpendicular to the skin} H is for
horizontal and 0 is for oblique. These are also outlined in Appendix A.
In traditional acupuncture no other device except for a needle or agni
stick (moxibustion) was used. Toda)) practitioners can connect cur-
rent source devices to artificially mimic the energy flow by proViding
a fluctuating electric current from a battery source. Each of the two
cable leads from the device is connected to one needle to proVide a
current loop through the body. This device may be used to proVide
acupuncture analgesia or pain relief. It is also used as a form of
anesthetic during various surgical operations.
Laser acupuncture is also in fashion today where a laser light is posi-
tioned on the skin at a marma point to stimulate the flow of energy.
PART 2
CHANNELS (NADIS)
NADISIBIO-ENERGY CHANNELS
'The Shiva Samhita mentions 350POO nadis [or channels in the human
body], of which founeen are stated to be imponant. '12
The fourteen important channels mentioned above are, in fact,
the twelve organ channels described earlier in the text and also
the two channels called the Governor or Minister (Amatya Nadi)
and the Conception Ganma Nadi} channels.
In Ayurvedic acupuncture fourteen major channels (nadis) are
considered most important. These are major nadis distributed over
the entire human body, which allow Prana to flow. These channels,
haVing great therapeutic value (like the chakras) are found close to
the skin, connecting with a major organ internally and externally
with tissues, etc., where marmas or pressure points are located.
These marmas have low resistance.
By massaging, needling or heating the marmas (strategic vital
points), a therapeutic effect can be achieved not only in the local area
but also in the organs which are related to these channels.
The nadis are subtle channels which are believed to be made up
of three sheaths or layers, and they carry Prana in one form or another
as it moves around the body. The nadis are also vehicles for the three
humors, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When a channel's energy flow is im-
paired, this can cause a similar blockage in the flow of the body fluids
like blood, lymph, etc.
The channels delineated as carrying Prana cannot normally be seen,
since they carry invisible energy, much like electricity. It is possible
that scientific eqUipment may one day be deSigned to not only detect
but show these channels. Perhaps a whole system of diagnosis can
be produced by scanning the various pranic channels without even
touching the person, and then utilizing the information to arrive at
a computer-based diagnosis and treatment.
122
Nadis/Bio-Energy Channels 123
Many times} patients complain of pain along a particular limb ac-

cording to a specific complaint. These areas of pain in most cases can
be identified with the pranic channels and trace the same areas that
the channels trace. For instance, with heart disease, the area of the Heart
channel in the arm is often affected (e.g. during heart attack). With
sciatica (a Vata imbalance)} the Bladder channel (Yata related) is usually
involved. With Pitta type arthritis} the Gallbladder channel (Pitta
related) area is involved. With Kapha arthritis} often the Tridosha chan-
nel is related (Fig. 20).
The fourteen important channels mentioned above are in fact the
twelve organ channels described earlier in the text and also the two
channels called the Governor and Conception channels. These two
do not relate to a specific organ but have a related effect on an area.
The Conception channel for instance controls} is affected by and af-
fects conception-childbirth and the reproductive system. This chan-
nel often reflects discomfort (or sensitivity) along its full length in the
female during pregnancy
The twelve major organ channels can be divided into two types:
those which are related to the solid organs (like the heart) and those
which are related to the hollow organs (like the large intestine).
Anatomicall}) the solid organ channels are always located along the
inside of the limbs} while the hollow organ channels are located along
the outside or external aspect of the limbs. Consequencl}) the solid
organ channels are referred to as inside channels (Antar Nadis)} while
the hollow organ channels are called outside channels (Bahya Nadis).
INSIDE CHANNELS-Arm (Antar Nadis)
The inside channels in the arm have their pranic energy flow from
the organ to the end of the fingers. The flow of Prana is therefore down
along the inside of the arm. These consist of the following organ
channels (Fig. 21):
Heart Channel (H)
The Heart channel runs along the inside of the arm} from the heart}
along the shoulder and palm to connect with the little finger. There
are nine (9) pressure points (marmas) along this channel which can
be needled for therapy. The energy flow is &om the organ to the finger;
so that the first point (marma) is near the heart, the ninth one is in
P Arthritis Pain Areas
Fig. 20 Referred pain areas and the Channels/Humors

Kar!,"r;~·
vata®. !
\ @
Water
Air ~ ~
::l...J II::
~
...:::lZ
Z
<t
.... .=~
...:z:'"<t ~~U
-0 Cl
Z
:z: ;:)
-'
POINTS U
WELL h9 P9 lull
SPRING h8 p8 lulO
STREAM h7 p7 1119
RIVER h4 p5 LuS
SEA h3 p3 lu5
\ \ -_ _ _- - 1 1
INSIDE
Fig. 21 The Inside Arm Channels (and their vital points)

the tip of the little finger. The Heart channel is needled for heart, Pit-
ta and some mental disorders (the heart affects the mind).
Pericardium Channel (P)
The Pericardium channel runs parallel to the Heart channel, but
along the middle of the inside of the arm. Like the Heart channel,
its energy flow is from the pericardium to the end of the middle finger.
There are nine (9) pressure points (marmas) also along this channel
which are used for therapy The first point starts near the nipple, on
the chest while the ninth is at the tip of the middle finger.
Lung Channel (1)
The Lung channel also runs parallel to the Heart and the Pericar-
dium channels but this time along the thumb area of the arm. Being
an inside channel of the arm, the energy flow occurs from the lung
to the thumb. There are eleven (11) pressure points (marmas) along
its length which can be used for therapy The first point occurs on
the upper chest area, while the eleventh point is located at the side
of the thumb (near the nail).
OUTSIDE CHANNELS-Arm (Bahya Nadis)

The outside channels which occur along the arm are found along
the back of the hand. The three outside channels of the arm refer to
the hollow organs: small intestine (Pitta), tridosha (Kapha) and large
intestine (Yata) (Fig. 22).
The channels' energy flow direction is opposite to the inside chan-
nels so, consequently, it commences near the fingers in the channels
and travels in an upward arm direction.
Small Intestine (S.I.)
The Small Intestine channel is directly behind the Heart channel,
with which it connects and provides/controls Pitta in the arm. There
are nineteen (19) pressure points (marmas) along this channel's tra-
jectory The energy flow direction is from the back of the little finger
and along the back of the arm towards the trunk. Energy flows up
(
". w
Z
Pill" ~~,t;
~w~
Fire ~
~I - ' Z~- Mc
~
-' Z
~ ~;::
z -' ~ c
~ ~ I!! ~Q
\)~
z c '" :r: "'~
"'0 ~~
-...
8
U
~Z
-
WELL si I 301 Li I
SPRING si2 302 Li2
STREAM si3 303 Li3
RIVER siS 306 liS
SEA si8 3010 Lill

\ /'
OUTSIDE
Fig. 22 Outside Arm Channels

the arm along the Smalllntestine channel. The S.l. channel is a Pitta
related channel in the arm along with the Heart channel.
Tridosha Channel (3D)
This channel connects with the Tridosha area of the body, which
is a generalization of the three humors and its three sections of the
trunk: Kapha (thorax), Pitta (below thorax and above navel) and Yata
(below navel). The 3D channel therefore affects the mutual harmony
of these three and the flow of fluids through these three areas. The
3D channel connects with the back of the ring finger and has twenty-
three (23) marmas or needling points.
Large Intestine Channel (L.I.)
The Large Intestine channel is directly behind the Lung channel
with which it is connected. There are twenty (20) pressure points (mar-
mas) along the length of this channel. The flow of energy is from
the index finger, up the arm to connect with the trunk. Marma
numbering in this channel commences with LI.l at the index finger.
INSIDE CHANNELS-Leg (Antar Nadis)

There are six channels on the leg, three are inside channels which
means that they are solid organ channels and three are outside chan-
nels, which relate to the hollow organs (Fig. 23).
Spleen Channel (Sp)
The Spleen channel commences at the outside of the large toe and
travels along the front aspect of the inside of the leg, then along the
front of the body to reach the spleen. The energy flow direction in
this organ channel is up the body. There are twenty one (21) pressure
points (marmas) along the Spleen channel's trajectory, with Spl point
being at the large toe. The Spleen channel connects with the Stomach
channel from which it receives pranic energy.
Liver Channel (Lv)
The Liver channel commences at the inside of the large toe and
travels upwards along the medial aspect of the inside of the leg, to
vata(:l!J
~-
2
9
::&:
~1
10
~Iz ...z
......... ...'"
>-
w
z
< ...~ Q
:J: III ~
u
WEll spl LvI kl
SPRING sp2 Lv2 k2
STREAM sp3 Lv) k3
RIVER sp5 Lv4 k7

,
SEA sp9 Lv8 klO
'\. I
INSIDE
Fig. 23 Inside Leg Channels

connect with the liver. There are fourteen (14) pressure points (mar-
mas) along the Liver channel. The energy flow is up the body, from
the large toe with Lvi point being at the large toe. The Liver channel
connects with the Gallbladder channel from which it receives pranic
energy.
Kidney Channel (K)
The Kidney channel commences at the sole of the foot, travels up
along the rear part of the inside of the leg, along the middle part of
the front of the trunk, to conclude at the kidney. There are twenty-
seven (27) pressure points (marmas) along this channel. The energy
flow direction is up the body. The Kidney channel connects with the
Urinary Bladder channel from which it receives its pranic energy.
OUTSIDE CHANNELS-Leg (Bahya Nadis)

The outside channels of the leg relate to the hollow organs below
the diaphragm. They have the energy flow direction from the organs
to the extremities (NOTE: opposite to the flow of energy of the same
type of [outside] channels in the arm.)
Stomach Channel (St)
The Stomach channel commences at the middle of the bottom
eyelid, travels down the cheek, then horizontally along the jaw, bran-
ching out later into (a) upwards towards the temple and (b) down from
the jaY\) along the side of the throat, directly down across the nipple
and then parallel to the spine. It follows down the medial aspect of
the front of the thigh to then conclude at the second toe. There are
forty five (45) marmas or pressure points along its trajectory. The flow
of energy direction is down towards the toes (Fig. 24).
Gallbladder Channel (Gb)
The Gallbladder channel starts at the corner of the eye, travels
towards the ear, then travels up along the parietal area of the head,
down along the back of the ear, the top of the shoulder, along the fron-
tal costal and sacral areas] down the medial aspect of the outside of
STOMACH
Kaplia @
31 Earth
~r
:r
u
«
~
.... 0
....
... Zo ~
Z ~ .... 0 -0
« «« ~~
... ...
:r 0
>- 0 ....
POINTS U '"
WEll 5t45 \:b44 b67
SPRING st44 gb43 b66
STREAM st43 gb41 b65
RIVER 5t41 gb38 b60
SEA st36 gb34 b40

~---~/
OUTSIDE
Fig. 24 The Stomach (Outside Leg) Channel

the leg. The channel connects with the fourth toe (the one next to
the small toe). There are forty four (44) marmas or pressure points
along the Gallbladder channel with its flow of energy direction from
the organ (Gb) down the leg (Fig. 25).
Urinary Bladder (Ub)

The Urinary Bladder channel (Fig. 26) commences next to the in-
side corner of the eye, travels along the center of the forehead, along
the top and back of the head, down along the back of the bod}) parallel
to and about two fingers width from the center of the spine (Fig. 27).
The channel then follows down to the back of the knee. From there,
it then continues by once again descending from the thoracic area,
two fingers width parallel to the first section of the channel near the
spine. It then reaches the back of the knee, down along the back of
the leg to end up on the small toe.
There are sixty seven (67) marmas or pressure points along the
Urinary Bladder channel with the flow of energy direction down the
bod}) towards the toe.
It would appear logical that since the legs are longer than the arms,
the number of points in the leg channels must be higher than the
number of points in the arm channels.
Apparentl}) it was customary in the past to refer to channels ac-
cording to their position (outside or inside of limb), leg or arm related
and the humor which they represented. As an illustration, when refer-
ring to the Lung channel (solid, inside arm channel) it is called Antar
Bahu Vata Nadi (Inside, Arm Vata Channel). The Large Intestine be-
ing an outside channel (because it is a hollow organ) is then referred
to as Bahya Bahu Vata Nadi (Outside, Arm Vata Channel). Antar
means ((inside"j bahya means ((outside"j bahu means ((arm" and pada
means {(leg or foot".
NadislBio-Energy Channels 133
BLADDE~
Pilta@J
\ GAll
Fig. 25 The Gallbladder (Outside Leg) Channel

BLADDER
Vata /~
\(->
Fig. 26 The Urinary Bladder (Outside Leg) Channel

..~
..
III
REAR
Fig. 27 The Channels on the rear of the body

GALL
BLADDER
I 12
[QJ = ORGAN POINTS
1>- i
...z
o
iii<
u
Fig. 28 The Channels on the front of the body

~
•
i '"
2'"
;;8 ~ Q
....
• ;:)« -",
... "'0
.... c
lao
III
8
IU
III
u
Z
0
u
Fig. 29 The Channels on the head

Front Viev.;
Fig. 30 Ayurvedic acupuncture channels (nadis)

and their vital points (marmas)
NadisiBio-Energy Channels 139
Rear View
Fig. 31
Channel Name Position Limb Humor

ARM
Heart Antar Bahu Pitta Naill
Small Intestine Bahya Bahu Pitta Nadi
Pericardium Antar Bahu Kapha Naill
3D Bahya Bahu Kapha Naill
Lung Antar Bahu Vata Nadi
Large Intestine Bahya Bahu Vata Naill
LEG
Liver Antar Pada Pitta Nadi
Gallbladder Bahya Pada Pitta Naill
Spleen Antar Pada Kapha Nadi
Stomach Bahya Pada Kapha Naill
Kidney Antar Pada Vata Naill
U.Bladder Bahya Pada Vata Nadi
PART 3
VITAL POINTS
IMPOKfANT MARMAS
The word marma means a sensitive spot which can be needled]
massaged or heated in order to cause therapy, not only in the local
area where the point is located] but also in related organs and remote
areas which are connected together by the point's pranic channel. This
interrelationship is due to mutual connections with Prana] the Five
Elements and the three humors.
"These manna points are the seat of Prana. '13
'iWanna point is a concentrated point of Prana (energy). There are certain
very vital anatomical points on the body su1ace which have secret and Signifi-
cant life values and they are composed of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, jOints,
ligaments and bones. Though it is not necessary that all [of these} structures
should be present collectively at a time for the composition of manna, even
if only tltO structures are present, it may constitute a marma pOint.'4
A marma is then a concentrated point of Prana] where several or
all of the anatomical structures (muscle., bone., etc.) are also present.
These points are connected like a pearl necklace by a common
thread or channel called Nadi. The channel carries the energy to its
related marmas.
Marrnas connect with underlying channels which carry Prana or
bio-energy. These channels lie deep in the body but occaSionally they
tend to wander towards the outside of the body. Where it does] it con-
stitutes a marma] a low resistance area of the skin which has con-
centrated Prana. Sometimes these points become sensitive (painful)
when touched or pressed] normally due to an imbalance in their related
organ or if trauma has occurred around the area of the channel's tra-
jectory. This is termed referred pain which is a reflex action] either
local or remote.
141
LETHAL MARMAS
Other marmas are highly susceptible to a blow and therefore con-
stitute the lethal marmas. There are approximately 107 of these, with
some being more lethal than others, and when struck by a blow may
result in death, coma, unconsciousness or delayed reactions which
may cause disease. Normalllj these lethal marmas are not needled
in acupuncture.
"In classical acupuncture theory there are certain spots where it is prohibited
to needle. These spots, and many more apparently not recorded by acupunc-
turists, when struck by a weapon, a fist or even a finge" will render the vic-
tim stunned, paralyzed, unconscious or dead.,1j
These lethal points form the basis of those described by Charaka

and Sushruta, since their consideration is important when perform-
ing surgery or when a patient is wounded at a marma site.
Traditionalllj the location and methods of striking these lethal types
of marmas have remained a closely guarded secret. No person in India
was taught the lethal marma system until the prospective student had
shown sufficient maturity and good charactet:, and be a type most
unlikely to abuse the system or teach others indiscriminately. The
location of the marmas is only half of the knowledge necessary to
be effective since some need to be hit, while are others are pinched
or pressed in order to cause the required effect.
These 107 (or 108) lethal marmas are correlated by other experts
in the Orient:
''Marma experts in South India have isolated 108 of these lethal spots.
The locations of these vital points are extremely secret but we were able to
check several well-known points with experts in Taiwan, South India and
Japan, and there was almost complete agreement about their positions.
Dr. Joseph Needham had the idea of checking with British forenSiC scien-
tists about the likely consequences of striking some of these vital points. Their
answers bore out exactly what he had been told by martial arts masters [in
the Orient].'-6
Vital Points 143
ACUPUNCTURE MARMAS
The acupuncture points on the other hand are those which can be
needled without any negative effect. There are literally hundreds of
marmas in the body which can be needled in this way. As more
research is done, new ones are continuously located and added to the
repertoire. There are traditionally 180 major marmas in Ayurvedic
acupuncture which can be used for treatment of almost any disease}
since a disease is an imbalance in the energy field of the body. However;
there are at least as many again which have minor but nevertheless
important properties. As a result} there are at least 310 marmas from
a traditional source, due to their connections with the organ chan-
nels. There are others like the lymphatic and allergy points on the
hand which have evolved from modern research. Ayurvedic acu-
puncture, being a true system of needling, must continue research and
expansion for the attainment of more knowledge} in parallel with
any other system of acupuncture.
The pranic energy flow through the channels and anatomical
positioning of the three humors in the body means that the closer
the marma is to the organ} the more it relates to the physical aspect
of the organ or the body. The further away it is found} the more
subtle effect it will have on the body. For instance, treating Vata type
symptoms of a subtle nature (nervousness) anxiety) can be treated by
needling marma points further away from the trunk} in this case very
near the end of the fingertips. Where the imbalance is of a more gross
nature (e.g. physical damage to the heart muscle)} then a point closer
to the elbow is needled. Mental imbalances are normally of a Vata
nature and are considered subtle. They too can be treated by points
near the fingertips. Remembering that in the trunk} Vata is positioned
below the navel (lowest area of the trunk)} then it is clear that it too
should be located near the fingertips or toes (lowest area of the limbs).
Middle imbalances} like Pitta} are treated somewhere in between these
two areas of the leg or arm} while Kapha is at the highest level of the
trunk and limbs. (Fig. 32)
I~.' ..
'\B
K.". @ \-" -41-

PITTA
VATA
PIlla ~~L
ffJ
, /
KRPHR~
~~
PITTA ~
\lATIl 0
Fig. 32
Vital Points 145
An analogy can be drawn with electric conduction. Where a light

or other electric device is close to the power source, it will normally
have sufficient energy to allow it to function correcdy. As the wire
or cable is extended, this can, after a certain length, cause the light
or device to malfunction or tum off because the current is now more
subde (there is less physical quantity). This does not mean that there
is no current flow since if a smaller wattage globe is connected, it will
shine brightly. The further away it is located from the power source,
the less physical (lower wattage) transference of electricity into light
the globe must be able to do.
Each solid and hollow organ channel on its own can not proVide
the necessary requirements for health, as there must be a solid organ
in connection with a hollow one in accordance with the humors' func-
tions and their locations in the body. Pitta in the arm for instance,
cannot be achieved by simply the Heart channel on its own. The
Small Intestine channel must also be there, since the organs' combina-
tion must be there for the humor's existence. When the solid and
hollow organs combine, the humors function and therapy can be
achieved by puncturing the appropriate related marmas or points.
Out of the most important points in acupuncture, there are some
which are extremely important. These are the ones which direcdy
relate to the Five Elements and connect with the 12 major organs via
their channels. These are called the Five Element points (marmas).
They are necessary for a true knowledge of Ayurvedic Acupuncture
since the Five Elements are the nexus of Ayurveda and conjoindy form
the basis of the three humors.
FNE ELEMENT POINTS (Pancha Sru Marmas)

The Five Elements of Fire, Earth, Wind, Water and Ether also ap-
pear as points along each of the channels, just as they appear in the
five major chakras or nerve plexi. As there are five elements, Ayurveda
Similarly classifies five points in each channel and calls them the Five
Flow Points (Pancha Sru Marmas). They are also sometimes refer-
red to as the Pancha Bhautik Marmas (or Five Element points). The
reason they are called flow points is because they relate to the flow
of energy in much the same manner as water flows. Water is the ele-
ment of flow.
Each organ channel in the body then has five points which reflect
the Five Elements (e.g in Heart7S.L7 Lung channels7etc.). They appear
in each channel according to a particular format which is always the
Wheel of Support and its exclusive connection between the Five
Elements.
The sequence of appearance differs between the solid organ chan-
nels and the hollow organ channels. All solid organ channels have
Ether as the first element points7with each subsequent one being ac-
cording to the Wheel of Support i.e. - Ether; Fire, Earth7Wind7Water.
The first element marma is thus Ether7 the fifth or last is therefore
Water.
All hollow organs have, instead7Wind as their first element pOints7
with each subsequent one being according to the same wheel i.e.
Wind7 Water7 Ether7 Fire and Earth.
The reason for the difference in elements between these two types
of organ channels is clearly seen when we truly realize why the ele-
ment points are positioned where they are. The connection between
the hollow and solid organ channels via the element points allows
the creation of the humors and their treatment thereof. By this is meant
that the mutual connection between each similar point along each
channel affects the humors (Fig. 33).
Vata
Take7for instance, the first points of both the solid and the hollow
organ channels. Without a doubt7 the channels7connections is due
to a common element (e.g. Large IntestinelLung by Wind) but the first
marma on each of the two organ channels relate to Ether (in the solid
organ channel) and Wind (in the hollow organ channel). This con-
nection of the two elements at these two points forms the Ayurvedic
most subtle humor called Vata which is composed of Wind and
Vital Points 147
e:.
-DIG
IlliSI0E CHANNE~
WELL SPRING STREAM RIVER SEA
i.. }.-
~
E(9R •
,-
VATA PITTA.
Ef~H WSf
-------------
KAPHA C)
s-
~
WIND
o ., WATER
0
ETHER FIRE
0
EARTH
4)
WELL _ -~- SEA
[Q![@QE CHANNEim
P k V Jl k V k P V k P V
,
I
ARM
... 0 . \/ LEG
~
Z ... . 2
~ ~~ ...
M
oC
Z
.. >= .
Z
'"
...>z
:z:
u
oC ...'" ....'"
Zo
.
'"
~O
~
C) :I: C)'"
~
Z
:ll", -'"
NGElt·~ ~ -0
~
-0 oC'"
...
~O
Z
oC
~~
"," 0
~~
"'0 S~
TO£ 0.. oCoC
~ o..oC ~ "'~
"'0
'" i< 0
'" '"
C)~
:I:
POINTS U U
'"
WELL h9 P9 Lull si I 301 Li I sp I Lvi k I 5145 \:b44 b67
SPRING I h8 pS LuIO si Z 30Z LiZ sp 2 Lv2 k2 5144 gb43 b66
STREAM t h7 p7 1119 si3 303 Li3 sp3 Lv) k3 sl43 gb41 b6S
RIVER h4 pS LuS siS 306 liS spS l\4 k7 sl41 gb38 b60
SEA h3 p3 LuS siS 3010 Lill sp9 LIS klO sl36 gb3~ b40
INSIDE OUTSIDE INSIDE OUTSIDE
Fig. 33 The Five Flow Points and humors relationships

Ether. These, of course) are the two most subtle elements.
Pitta
The second set of points along each of the two types of channels
relate to Pitta) since one is the Fire element point (solid organ chan-
nel) while the other is the Water element (hollow organ channel) and
Pitta is created out of Fire and Water.
Kapha
The last or fifth points are Water) in the solid organ channels and
Earth) in the hollow organ channels. This equates with Kapha which
is the most physical humor out of the three and which itself is com-
posed of Earth and Water) the two most physical elements. As can
be seen) their total interrelationship results in the continuation of the
three humors in the body via connection of the two types of organ
channels (solid and hollow).
Points Solid Organs Hollow Organs Humor

1st Ether Wind VATA
2nd Fire Water PITTA
3rd Earth Ether
4th Wind Fire
5th Water Earth KAPHA
The outline of the elements mentioned directly above will also

demonstrate a second wheel of the elements in action) that is) the
Wheel of Creation where one element leads to the creation of another.
This is usually as follows: Ether; Wind) Fire, Water and Earth. Study-
ing the above, it will be noticed that within the five pairs of points)
there is a "threading) between the solid organ channels and the hollow
organ channels according to the Wheel of Creation. It appears to oc-
cur twiCe, starting at the solid organ element Ether; follOWing through
directly across to Wind) diagonally down to Fire, then across to Water;
diagonally across to Earth and then directly across to Ether before the
cycle commences again at the 4th set of points.
Vital Points 149
The combination of the first set of points (hollow/solid channels)

as previously explained] results in Vata. These two points (Ether-
Wind) may nevertheless be needled for problems relating to mental
illness or subtle imbalances like Vata.
The combination of the second set of points results in the forma-
tion of Pitta (Fire-Water). These two points are usually indicated in
febrile diseases (Pitta).
The combination of the third set of points does not create a separate
humor in this case but the points are indicated in painful disorders
of the jOints] especially those of a Kapha (Earth) type.
The fourth set of points is usually indicated in respiratory disorders
due to their Wind connection.
The combination of the fifth set of points] (Earth and Water in
both types of channels) results in the formation of Kapha (Earth-
Water). These points are usually indicated in physical disorders of
the organs themselves] just as Kapha is the most physical of the
three humors.
Ancients noticed long ago that water evaporates] rises and forms
clouds. It is this same water that falls from the clouds during rain] and
collects on the ground to subsequently find its way to the sea.
Ayurveda realized that there is a difference between cloud (evaporated)
water and water found on the earth. This difference is Prana and
nutrients. When water falls from the clouds] it collects Prana but it
has no nutrients. As the water runs along the ground (e.g. stream or
river)] it picks up nutrients like minerals which are necessary for the
body. So the concept of the flow of water is that it commences on
a very subtle level (it only has Prana) and then gradually becomes
more physical as nutrients are added to it. The Five Elements also
reflect this same subtle to physical path of Prana] and traditionally
each of the five points were labelled with a name reminiscent to the
flow of water.
Consequently, the first set of points deals with the subtle aspect of
the flow of Prana] that is] the Vata humolj and the two subtle elements
of Ether and Wind. Due to this] these first points are generically termed
the Well points for easier identification. When the Well point is
needled] that could indicate either Ether or Wind are involved with
the solid or hollow organ channels. The term "well" is according to
the natural process by which water falls to the ground] collecting
Prana from the atmosphere as it does. It forms a small well before
enough water can collect there to spill and flow elsewhere. The Well
point is somewhat like the Ether element] the first of the Five Ele-
ments and the most subtle.
The second set of points are collectively or singularly referred to
as the Spring points] since a spring is the next level of water flow. This
is reminiscent of the Wind element] the second element along the
Wheel of Creation according to its attributes.
The third set is referred to as the Stream points] a somewhat larger
effect (more physical) than the previous two sets of points] much like
the effect of the Fire element.
The fourth set of points is the River] since like the Water element]
it is the second most physical structure.
This finally empties into the sea. These last two points are conse-
quently referred to as the Sea points] where the effect is the most
phYSical] much like the Earth element and Kapha.
The concept of the terminology and philosophy of the five points:
Well] Spring, Stream] River and Sea is therefore analogous with the
appearance of the elements according to the Wheel of Creation. The
actual elements located in these points are nevertheless according to
the Wheel of Support] starting with the most subtle: Ether for the
solid organ channels and Wind for the hollow organ channels. As
a result] the Well points deal with Yata] the most subtlej the Spring
points deal with Pitta] the middle humor and the Sea points deal with
Kapha] the most phYSical of the three humors. The Sea tends to con-
tain more water than any of the others and thus it is also more physical
(like Kapha).
The Well] Spring, Stream] River and Sea points are also on a
par with the stages of disease according to Ayurveda] previously
explained.
Vital Points 151
• The Well points are related to AggravationJ

• Spring points with OverflowJ
• Stream points with DisplacementJ
• River points with Manifestation and the
• Sea points with Flowering-the last stage and most physical
of all five.
PARENT-CHILD (Pilar-Ra/a)
Each of the five points described above are in essence a reflection
of the Five Elements and their related humors and organs. Treat-
ment of an organ (affecting a humor) is carried out according to
the concept of a parent-childJ another ancient observation of nature;
which affects the Five Elements. The Parent-Child concept utilizes
the Wheel of Support of the Five Elements and describes the method
where an unbalanced element is treated by needling organs or points
relative to itJ according to the natural process of feeding (or support-
ing). The parent is responsible for feeding the childj the child is
responsible for taking the food from the parent. Where the mother
has an excess in breast milkJ a simple remedy is to allow the baby
to feed. This has the effect of emptying the breast of milk.
Where a baby is defiCient in food (is hungry)J the parent is encouraged
to feed the child. This explainS the Parent-Child concept which
can be used to increase energy in an organ/element by treating the
elemenes parent (encouraging the parent to feed the child) or by
decreaSing an excess of energy in the element/organ by treating the
elemenes child (encouraging the child to feed from the parent).
According to the Wheel of SupportJ
• Ether is the parent of Fire but also the child of Water.
• Fire is the parent of EarthJ but the child of Ether.
• Earth is the parent of WindJ but the child of Fire.
• Wind is the parent of WateIj but the child of Earth and
• Water is the parent of Ether but the child of Wind.
An excess of energy in the Water element (kidneylbladder) for
instanceJ can be reduced by treating this elemenes child (Ether).
A deficiency of energy in the Water element can be increased by

treating this element's parent (Wind). This concept applies to all the
other elements according to the Wheel of Support.
Treatment of the elements/organs can be performed on the ap-
propriate element point according to the Parent-Child concept. Treat-
ment of the humors can be carried out by needling the set of points
which reflect the vitiated humor, that is: Well points for Vata, Spring
points for Pitta and Sea points for Kapha.
TREATMENT
Acupuncture treatment of the humors can be performed by treating
the corresponding organ channels, that is, those related to the humors
(listed in the Bio-energy clock or Pranic Mandala Fig. 5). Treatment
of the appropriate Five Sru points (Fig. 33) can Similarly affect the
humors. For examplt? a Vata imbalance is treated by needling the
Well points of the related organ channels of Large Intestine and
Lung (arm) or Kidney and Bladder (leg). If an imbalance is located
along a particular limb, then the related humoral channels in that
locale are utilizedj (e.g. Lung/L.I. for Vata in the arm).
Pitta can be Similarly treated by needling the Spring points of
the Pitta related channels. Kapha can be treated by needling the
Sea points of the appropriate Kapha channels. In theory, since all
channels connect together in a loop, then any two related chan-
nels' Well points can be needled to treat a vitiated humor. Howevet:,
in practict? the corresponding channels may offer a faster, better
alternative.
Chronological
Treatment should also be carried out with speCial consideration of
the time of day or night with regards to the type of imbalance. Each
vitiated humor reacts best to treatments carried out during the humors
risk times, according to the Pranic Mandala. Kapha is best treated
during Kapha times, Pitta during Pitta's times and Vata, during Vata's
risk times.
Vital Points 153
Where an element is either in excess or deficiency, treatment

according to the Mandala is also appropriate. An element in excess
should be treated just prior to the organ's energy peak of pranic
energy, while a deficiency is best treated direcdy after the peak
of pranic energy of the organ.
Chronological-related treatment of diseases is not always pos-
sible today in the West, unless carried out in a proper hospital setting,
where the patient is available on a twenty-four hour basis. Private
clinics have certain hours of business and are not always available
at the times the patient may require the chronological treatment.
Nevertheless, treatment of channels during business hours (between
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) will still proVide a means of healing and, although
not ideal, is quite effective.
OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS

As well as the Five Sru POints, there are some other points which
perform special functions.
Bridge (Connector) Points (Setu Marmas)

There are some points which connect between the hollow and
solid organ channels and allow Prana to travel between one channel
and the next in line. Each channel has one of these connecting points
between the hollow and solid organ channels. The Vata in the arm
consists of the Lung and Large Intestine channels. These two are
linked together by a connecting point located in each of these two
channels. The use of the connecting point enhances the therapeutic
value of the treatment. The Lung channel's Bridge point is Lung
7 (L7) while the Large Intestine channel's Bridge point is LI 6, so
their needling will assist Vata type problems (or imbalances in the
lungs or large intestine). The connecting points are normally re-
ferred to as Bridge points and are termed ({Setu Marmas!' They
demonstrate the existence of a nadi (a bridge) between the two
related channels.
Source Points (Mula Marmas)

Source points (Mula Marmas) are points where Prana tends to be
retained in the channel and forms a type of base. The word "Mula"
actually means root or base. These points tend to reinforce the thera-
peutic effect by balancing energy in the channel or organ which
is unbalanced.
Channels Source Points Bridge Points

Heart * H7 H5 (H-SI)
Pericardium * P7 P6 (P-3D)
Lung * L9 L7 (L-LI)
Small Intestine SI4 SI7 (SI-H)
Tridosha 3D4 3D5 (3D-P)
Large Intestine LI4 LI6 (LI-L)
Liver * Lv3 Lv5 (Lv-CB)
Spleen * Sp3 Sp4 (Sp-St)
Kidney * K3 K4 (K-UB)
Gallbladder GB40 CB37 (CB-Lv)
Stomach St42 St40 (St-Sp)
Bladder UB64 UB58 (UB-K)
The Source marmas or points with asterisks (*) in the above chart
are also Stream points of the Five Elements in the solid organ channels.
PART 4
TREATMENT OF THE FIVE TRIDOSHAS
Ayurvedic medicine considers that each VataJ Pitta and Kapha can
be further divided into five groupsJ each in accordance with their ef-
fects and functions in the body. Essentially, all humors are different
polarities of Prana and have acquired different characteristics as they
travel through the body. Each element is represented by one VataJ
one Pitta and one Kapha and the elemenes effect on the body is
mirrored by the appropriate humors (Fig. 34).
ETHER (Inward-Controlling Effect)

The Ether element relates to the functions of inward movement
and controlling effects in the body and is represented by:
(1) Prana Vayu (Vata). Positioned in the brainJ this one has the direc-
ting effect on the other VatasJ and consequently is involved in most
diseases. Acupuncture can directly treat diseases via this type of
PranaJ which also governs the correct functions of swallOWing,
belching, inhalation and sneezing.
(2) Sadhaka Pitta. Centered in the brain and the heart it controls the
subtle intellectJ since Ether is the most subtle of the Five Elements.
Fantasies and reality become indistinguishable when this Pitta
becomes vitiated.
(3) Tarpaka Kapha. This is also in the brain and heart (cerebro-spinal
flUid) due to its connection with the subtle Ether; but being KaphaJ
it lubricates these parts of the body to give mental stability and cor-
rect memory recoliectionJ the grounding feature of Kapha.
WIND (Uf'W'ard Movement)

The Wind element relates to moving air and upward movements
and is represented by:
(1) Udana Vayu (Vata). Positioned in the lung (chest and throat)J
155
v
P
K
AVALAMBAKA v
BHRAJAKA P
P
K
SLESHAKA K .......,:l~'*-----,~_:..K;LEDAKA K
RANJAKA P --""t+1fHl~:::"~ SAMANA V

'-+--f-JF+tt- PACHAKA P
Fig. 34 The Five forms of VataJ Pitta and Kapha

and their locations
Treatment of the Five Tridoshas 157
this Vayu controls exhalation and speech. Its vitiation may result in
belching, coughs and vomiting. The connection with VataJ the Wind
element and the lungs becomes quite obvious.
(2) Alochaka Pitta. This Pitta in connection with the Wind element
allows the subde reception of minute light particles via the eyes (Pit-
ta sense organ). It is positioned in the eyes and its malfunction may
result in failure of vision.
(3) Bodhaka Kapha. It is found in the mouth and affects the sense
of tastt; while its vitiation causes a lack of taste. Its connection with
the Wind element ties it down to the respiratory system of which
the mouth and tongue are part. Its derangement (as in too much Wind
evaporating Water) results in a lack of taste since water is needed for
tasting.
FIRE (Digestive Process)

The Fire element relates to transformation of things (digestion) and
is represented by:
(1) Samana Vayu (Yata). This is found in the small intestine and con-
trols the digestion. Its connection with Wind means it is the mover
of the digestive systemJ while its vitiation can cause indigestion or
lack of appetite.
(2) Pachaka Pitta. This is also located in the small intestine and sup-
ports the other forms of Pitta. It aids circulationJ regulates body
temperature and assists in the digestion of food. When derangedJ it
will cause heat to rise- e.g.hyperacidil)) ulcersJ etc.
(3) Kledaka Kapha. This is found in the stomach (and the alkaline
secretions in the mucous lining of the digestive tract) and is responsi-
ble for the first stage of digestion.
WATER (Diffusion/Distribution Process)

The Water element relates to the process of distribution and dif-
fusion and is represented by:
(1) Vyana Vayu (Vata). This is found in the heart and is distributed
throughout the body due to its connection with Water and the active
element Wind (Vayu). It lubricates the joints and musclesJ thus con-
trolling their movements. As the kidneys (Water) are found in the lower
part of the trunkJ Yyana Yayu mainly affects the legs and their
movements.
(2) Bhrajaka Pitta. This is found on the skin and maintains the skin's
color and complexionJ controlling warmth and light into the body.
When vitiatedJ it causes rashes and discoloration of the skin.
(3) Sleshaka Kapha. This is located in the synOVial fluid of the jointsJ
due to its strong connection not only to Kapha but also to the Water
element. When derangedJ joint looseness and heaviness will occur.
EARTH (Downward Movement -Stability)

The Earth element relates to the downward movements of the body
and its stability and is represented by:
(1) Apana Yayu (Yata). This is in the large intestine and controls all
downward movement of eliminationJ urinationJ parturitionJ sex and
menstruation. This is because of Earth's heaV)) falling tendency and
connection with YataJ which is positioned in the trunk area in which
all of the controlling organs of these functions are to be found (e.g.
kidney, L.l. sexual organs.)
(2) Ranjaka Pitta. This is found in the small intestineJ stomachJliver
and spleen and gives their related secretions their color and texture
(e.g. to the bileJ stool and urine). When derangedJ it strongly colors
these secretions.
(3) Avalambaka Kapha. This is found in the lung and the heart and
gives correct lubrication to the chest areaJ since it relates to Earth (a
Kapha element) and to the upper most area of the trunk (relating to
Kapha). Due to thisJ it is pOSSibly the most important form of Kapha
when treating a patient. Some believe this corresponds to plasmaJ
which is distributed by the heart and lungs.
Treatment
Each of the above forms can be treated by utilizing the correct organ
channel as well as the appropriate points which affect the vitiated
humor.
Treatment of the Five Tridoshas 159
NAME ORGAN CHANNEL POINTS

ETHER
Vata-Prana Brain Heart/S.1. Well
Pitta-Sadhaka Brain/heart Heart/S.1. Spring
Kapha-Tarpaka Brainlheart Heart/S.1. Sea
WIND
Vata-Udana Lunglchest LunglL.1. Well
Pitta - Alochaka Eyes LungIL.1. Spring
Kapha- Bodhaka Mouth/tongue LunglL.1. Sea
FIRE
Vata-Samana S.Intestine S.I./Heart Well
Pitta - Pachaka S.Intestine S.I./Heart Spring
Kapha-Kledaka S.Intestine S.I./Heart Sea
WATER
Vata-Vyana Heartlbody 3DlPericard. Well
Pitta - Bhrajaka Skin 3DlPericard. Spring
Kapha -Sleshaka Synovial 3DlPericard. Sea (arm joints)
Kid/Blad. Sea (leg joints)
EARTH
Vata-Apana L.lntestine L.I.lLung Well (arm)
Kid.lBladder Well (leg)
Pitta - Ranjaka Lv.Sp.st.S.I. Spleen/Stom. Spring
Kapha - Avalambaka Heart/lung 3D/Pericard. Sea
NOTES:
1. Science and Secrets of EArly Medicine, p. 211
2. Light on Pranayama, p. 32
3. Acupuncture Marma and ther Asian therapeutic techniques, p. 5
4. Ibid., p. 15
5. The W'tly of the W'tlrrio" p. 106
6. Ibid., p. 107
CONCLUSION
Ayurveda is the "Science of Life," a lofty term that totally embodies
this sophisticated and ancient system of medicine. However, due to
certain factors in India, this science began to be fractionalized and con-
sequendy was almost destroyed.
The knowledge or information which has remained has been
carefully protected and nurtured by family inheritance and in many
cases by those who were brave enough to risk their own lives for its
continuation. These people also had other knowledge to protect
besides the medical SCiences, so that the keepers of the knowledge
of Indian martial arts also zealously defended this powerful knowledge
of medicine. It is not a strange coincidence therefore that masters of
Indian martial arts today are for the most part also highly skilled doc-
tors of Ayurveda. In fact, Charaka himself stated that Ayurvedic
medical knowledge is not only to be practised by doctors but also "by
kshatriyas [warriors] for protection!' (p. 503), (Charaka Samhitta-
Sutrasthana XXX).
Like the martial art systems of Kalari and Marma Adi, Ayurvedic
Acupuncture has remained cloaked in secrecy and unknown to the
general populace. It has been traditionally conveyed from parent to
child through word-of-mouth and kept within families.
The Ayurvedic Acupuncture system, like Ayurveda itself, is based
on and takes refuge in the knowledge of Prana, the life-force, and in
the Five Elements which originate from Prana. In the human body,
these six natural factors give rise to the Tridoshas, the three Ayurvedic
biological forces or humours. These nine factors also have direct ef-
fects on more physical entities like the organs and tissues so that their
interrelationships are well charted. Each major organ has an energy
channel (nadi) which is positioned along a limb and the trunk, and
which contains a number of pressure or reflex points (marmas) along
its length. These points can be needled, heated or massaged to cause
160
Conclusion 161
a balancing effect on the energy which then results in health (homoeostasis).

This is why Indian Acupuncture is correctly termed Ayurvedic Acupunc-
ture because it utilizes Ayurvedic principles.
A point of synthesis must be established between what is popularly prac-
tised and that which is kept reserved, between the practical (in a remote
clinic) and the academic (as taught in universities and used in hospitals).
It is only in placing acupuncture in a practical, academic form that its con-
tinuation, propagation and expansion will be ensured. Its cloistered form
today no longer serves a useful purposej in fact it could serve as its epitaph.
This book should proVide the basis to stimulate further research and in-
terest in an important branch of pOSSibly the most ancient and comprehen-
sive medical system in the world. It requires much effort on the part of other
Ayurvedic researchers to enhance and expand it so as to create a source of
continuity for the present and future health of the human race.
APPENDIX A
MAJOR MARMAS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
MAJOR ARM POINTS
Key: P = Perpendicular puncture
O. - Obliquely
H. = Horizontally
Number e.g. 15 mm = maximum depth of puncture (e.g. P 15mm) = puncture perpendicularly to a depth max-
imum of 15mm.
LUNG CHANNEL
ELEMENT-Wind
ORGAN-Lung TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR- Vata (Primary)
TIME OF ENERGY PEAK-3-5 a.m.
CHANNEL LOCATION-Inside of Arm (near thumb)
L.11 (WELL)-Ether
Cough, sore throat, nosebleed, asthma, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness, mental disorders. O. 4mm
L.10 (SPRlNG)-Fire
Cough, asthma, fev<r, spitting of blood, sore throat, pharyngitis. P 15mm
L.9 (STREAM and SOURCE)-Earth
Cough, sore throat, asthma, spitting of blood, pain in chest and medial aspect of lung, palpitations. P 8mm
L.8 (RlVER)-Wind
Cough, sore throat, asthma, pain in chest and wrist. P. 6mm
L.7 (BRIDGE POINT)
Cough, headache, neck rigidity, sore throat, asthma, facial paralysis, trismus, weakness of wrist. O. 12.5mm
L.6. (CLEFT POINT)
Cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, asthma, spitting of blood, elbow and arm pain and motor impairment. P 15mm
L.5. (SEA POINT)- WATER
Cough, fever in p.m., spitting of blood, asthma, sore throat, pharyngitis, fullness in chest, spasmodic pain in
elbow and arm. P 12.5mm
L.4.
Pain in the middle of the arm, chest fullness and cough. P. 12.5mm
13.
Pain in the middle of the arm, nosebleed and asthma. P 12.5mm
L.2.
Chest pain, shoulder pain, pain in chest, backache, asthma and cough. P 25mm
L.1. (Lung front organ point)
Chest pain, shoulder and arm pain, fullness of chest, asthma and cough. P 12.5mm
162
Appendix A 163
PERICARDIUM CHANNEL
ELEMENT-Water
ORGAN-Pericardium TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR-Kapha (Secondary)
TIME OF ENERGY PEAK-7-9 p.m.
CHANNEL LOCATION - Medical aspect of inside of Arm
P.9. (WELL)-Ether
Cardiac pain, heat stroke, irritability, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness, aphasia with stiffness of tongue, sen-
sation of fever in palm, convulsion in children. o. 4mm
P.8. (SPRING)-Fire
Cardiac pain, mental disorders, vomiting, halitosis, epilepsy, stomatitis, hand and foot fungal infection. P. 125mm
P.7. (STREAM and SOURCE)-Earth
Cardiac pain, palpitation, mental disorders, vomiting, paniC, epilepsy, gastric pain, pain in the chest and hypochon-
driac region. P. 12.5mm
P.6 (BRIDGE POINT)
Cardiac pain, palpitation, mental disorders, malaria, epilepsy, febrile diseases, gastric pains, vomiting, arm and
elbow pain and contracture. P. 25mm
P.5 (RlVER)- Wind
Cardiac pain, palpitation, mental disorders, febrile diseases, irritability, malaria, gastric pain, vomiting, mental
disorders, epilepsy, swelling of aXilla, twitching and contracture of elbow, arm pain. P. 25mm
P.4(CLEFT)
Cardiac pain, palpitation, angina pectoris, nosebleed, furuncle, vomiting of blood. P. 20mm
P.3 (SEA)-Water
Cardiac pain, febrile diseases, irritability, palpitations, gastric pain, vomiting, elbow and arm pain, hand and arm
tremors. P. 20mm
P.2
Cardiac pain, chest pain, pain in upper arm, cough. P. 15mm
P.l
Axillary swelling and pain, pain in hypochondria, feeling of suffocation in chest. O. 6mm
HEARf CHANNEL
ELEMENT -Fire
ORGAN-Heart TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR-Pitta (Primary)
TIME OF ENERGY PEAK-llam-1pm
CHANNEL LOCATION-Inside of arm (little finger side)
H.9 (WELL)-Ether
Cardiac pain, mental disorders, palpitations, unconsciousness, febrile diseases, pain in chest and hypochondriac
region. O. 4mm
H.8. (SPRING)-Fire
Palpitation, chest pain, twitching and contracture of little finger, feverish sensation in palm, enuresis, skin pruritus,
dysuria. P. 12.5mm
H.7 (STREAM and SOURCE)-Earrh
Cardiac pain, insomnia, mental disorders, irritability, palpitation, hysteria, poor memory, epilepsy, yellow sclera,
pain in the hypochondria, sensation of fever in palm_ P. 12.5mm
H.6 (CLEFT POINT)

Cardiac pain, night sweating, hysteria. P. 12.5mm
H.5 (BRIDGE POINT)

Palpitation, hysteria, blurring of vision, sore throat, dizziness, sudden hoarseness, aphasia (with stiffness in
tongue), pain in wrist and arm, angina pecroris. P. 12.5mm
H.4 (RIVER)- Wind

Cardiac pain, convulsions, sudden hoarseness, contracture of elbow and arm. P. 12.5mm
H.3 (SEA)-Water
Cardiac pain, tremors in hand, numbness of arm, contracture of elbow, pain in axilla and hypochondriac region,
primary tuberculosis of cervical lymph nodes (scrofula) P. 12.5mm
H.2
Hypochondriac, shoulder and arm pains, yellow sclera. P. 12.5mm
H.l
Pain in side and heart regions, elbow and arm coldness and pain, primary tuberculosis of the cervical lymph
nodes (scrofula) P. 25mm
LARGE INTESTINE CHANNEL

ELEMENT - Wind
ORGAN-Large Intestine TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR- Vata (Primary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Thumb side of outside of arm.
Ll.1 (WELL)- Wind
Sore throat, submandibular area swelling, toothache, finger numbness, febrile disease, loss of consciousness.
O.4mm
LI.2 (SPRING)- Water
Nosebleed, blurring of vision, toothache, sore throat, pharyngitis, febrile disease, backache. P. 8mm
LI.3 (STREAM)- Ether
Toothache, pain in the eye, sore throat, redness and swelling of the fingers and dorsum of hand. P. 25mm
LI.4 (SOURCE)
Toothache, headache, redness I swelling and pain in the eye, faCial swelling, sore throat, nosebleed, motor distur-
bance of the trigeminal nerve, facial paralYSiS, febrile disease without perspiration, hidrosis, amenorrhea, delayed
labor, abdominal pain, dysentery, constipation. P. 20mm
LI.5 (RIVER)- Fire
Toothache, headache, sore throat, redness with swelling and pain of the eye, wrist pain. P. 12.5mm
LI.6 (BRIDGE POINT)

Deafness, aching of hand and arm, nosebleed, edema. P. 12.5mm
LI.7 (CLEFT POINT)

Headache, sore throat, abdominal noises, abdominal pain, aching of shoulder and arm, facial swelling. P. 20mm
LI.8
Pain in abdominal area and the elbow and arm. P. 15mm
LI.9
Pain in the abdominal area, hand and arm numbness, arm and head motor impairment, shoulder ache, abdominal
noises. P. 25mm
Appendix A 165
LUO
Head and arm motor impairment, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal and shoulder pain. P. 25mm
LUI (SEA POINn-Earth
Head and arm motor impairment, sore throat, tonsillitis, fever, urticaria, goiter, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery,
primary tuberculosis of cervical lymph nodes (scrofula), elbow, shoulder and arm pain, high blood pressure. P 25mm
Ll.12
Elbow and arm numbness and pain. P 12.5mm
LU3
Primary tuberculosis of cervical lymph nodes (scrofula), elbow and arm pain. P. 12.5mm
U14
Scrofula, head and arm motor impairment, arm and shoulder pain, backache, eye disease. P 12.5mm
LU5
Scrofula, head and arm motor impairment, arm and shoulder pain, german measles. O. 25mm (down the arm)
Ll.16
Head and arm pain and motor impairment, shoulder pain. P 15mm
LU7
Scrofula, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), hoarse and sore throat. P 12.5mm
U18
Scrofula, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), hoarse and sore throat, expectoration, asthma, cough. P
12.5mm
Ll.19
Nasal obstruction, mouth deviation, nose bleed. 0. 8mm
Ll.20
Nasal obstruction, mouth deviation, nosebleed, runny nose, facial swelling and itch, gastric region pain. O. 8mm
TRIDOSHA (3D) CHANNEL

ELEMENT - Water
ORGAN- Tridosha (3D) TYPE-Hollow Organ
HUMOR-Kapha (Secondary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Medial aspect of outside of arm
3D.l (WELL)-Wind
Headaches, irritability, febrile diseases, redness of eyes, sore throat, stiffness of tongue. 0. 4mm
3D.2 (SPRlNG)-Water
Headache, deafness, malaria, redness of eyes, sore throat, pain in hand and arm. 0. 12.5mm
3D.3 (STREAM)-Ether
Headache, febrile diseases, tinnitus, deafness, redness of eyes, sore throat, pain in elbow and arm, motor impair-
ment of fingers. P. 12.5mm
3D.4 (SOURCE)
Malaria, deafness, wristlshoulder and arm pain. P 8mm
3D.5 (BRIDGE POINn

Headaches, febrile diseases, deafness, cheek and hypochondria pains, tinnitus, elbow and arm motor impair-
ment, pain in fingers, hand tremors, arthritis in arm. P. 25mm
30.6 (RIVER)-Fire
Tinnitus, deafness, sudden hoarseness, heavy sensation and aches of shoulder and back, constipation and
vomiting. P 25mm
3D.7 (CLEFT)
Epilepsy, deafness, pain in upper extremity. P. 25mm
3D.S
Deafness, sudden voice hoarseness, arm and hand pains. P 25mm
30.9
Deafness, toothache, sudden voice hoarseness, forearm pain. P 25mm
30.10 (SEA)- Eanh

Epilepsy, one sided headaches. P. 12.5mm
30.11
Shoulder and arm pains. P Smm
30.12
Neck and arm pains, stiffness of neck, headache. P 15mm
30.13
Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), arm and shoulder pains. P 20mm
30.14
Arm pain, heaviness in shoulder P 25mm (down arm)
30.15
Neck, shoulder and arm pains, neck stiffness. P 12.5mm
30.16
Swelling of the facial area, dizziness, blurred vision, rigidity in neck, deafness of a sudden nature. P. 12.5mm
30.17
Swelling of the cheek area, deafness, ringing in the ears, paralysis of the face, motor disturbance of the trigeminal
nerve. P. 25mm
30.1S
Ringing in the ears, deafness, headaches. 0. 4mm
30.19
Earache, ringing in the ears, headaches. 0. 4mm
30.20
Toothache, eye and ear redness and swelling, eye pain. 0. 4mm (down)
30.21
Toothache, ringing in the ears, deafness, discharge hom ear. P. 12.5mm
30.22
Lockjaw, heaviness and ache in head, ringing in the ears. 0. Smm
30.23
TWitching of the eyelid, headache, blurred vision, eye redness and pain. P. Smm
Appendix A 167
SMAll INTESTINE CHANNEL

ELEMENT - Fire
ORGAN-Small Intestine TYPE: Hollow Organ
HUMOR-Pitta (+Agni) (Primary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Little finger aspect of outside of arm
Sl.1 (WELL)-Wind
Febrile diseases, loss of consciousness, cornea cloudiness, sore throat, deficiency in lactation. 0. 4mm
SI.2 (SPRING)-Water
Febrile diseases, finger numbness. P. Smm
SI.3 (STREAM)-Ether
Febrile diseases, epilepsy, malaria, headache, night sweating. rigidity of neck, deafness, eye congestion, backache,
contracture and twitching of elbow, arm and fingers. P. 15mm
SI.4 (SOURCE)
Febrile diseases, headaches, jaundice, neck rigidity, cornea cloudiness, pain in hypochondria. P. 12.5mm
SIS (RIVER)-Fire
Febrile diseases, neck and submandibular swelling. wrist and lateral arm pain. P. 10mm
SI.6 (CLEFT)
Blurred vision, hysteria, arm arthritis, shoulder, back, arm and elbow aches. P. 12.5mm
SI.7 (BRIDGE POINT)

Febrile diseases, mental disorders, neck rigidity, contracture and twisting of elbow, finger pain. P. 12.5mm
SI.S (SEA)-Earth
Epilepsy, swelling of cheek, pain in nape and in the side rear area of shoulder and arm. P. 15mm
SI.9
Tinnitus, deafness, hand and arm motor impairment and pain, pain in the region of the scapula. P. 25mm
Sl.10
Shoulder and arm weakness and aches. P. 25mm
Sl.11
Pain in the rear-side of the elbow and arm, pain in the region of the scapula. 0. 25mm
SL12
Aches and numbness in head and arm, pain in the region of the scapula. P. 15mm
Sl.13
Stiffness and pain in the region of the scapula. P. 12Smm
Sl.14
Neck rigidity, back and shoulder ache. 0. 15mm
Sl.15
Pain in back and shoulder, cough and asthma. O. 15mm
Sl.16
Neck pain and rigidity, sore throat, ringing in the ears and deafness. P. 20mm
Sl.17
Globus hystericum, swelling of the cheek area, ringing in the ears, deafness. P. 20mm
Sl.1S
Toothache, yellow sclera, paralysis of the face, twitching of eyelids. P. 20mm
Sl.19
Ear discharge, ringing in the ears, deafness. P. 25mm
MAJOR LEG POINTS
STOMACH CHANNEL
ELEMENT - Eanh
ORGAN-Stomach TYPE: Hollow organ
HUMOR-Kapha (Primary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Front aspect of leg.
ST45 (WELL)-Wind
Mental confusion, febrile diseases, dream disturbed sleep. facial swelling, nosebleed, deviation of the mouth,
toothache, distending sensation of the chest and abdomen, foot and leg coldness. 0. 4mm
ST44 (SPRING)-Water
Febrile diseases, toothache, nosebleed, deviation of the mouth, diarrhea, distention or pain in abdomen, dysentety,
pain and swelling of dorsum of foot. P. 12.5mm
ST43 (STREAM)-Ether
Abdominal noises, facial or general swelling, abdominal pain and swelling of the foot dorsum. P. 15mm
ST42 (SOURCE)
Paralysis in the facial area, motor impairment and muscular atrophy of foot, swelling and redness of the foot
dorsum. P. 8mm
ST41 (RIVER)-Fire
Depressive mental disorders, headaches, dizziness/vertigo, head and face edema, abdominal distention, constipa-
tion; muscular atrophy, motor impairment/pain and paralysiS of the lower extremities. P. 15mm
ST40 (BRIDGE POINT)

Mental disorders, headaches, dizziness, epilepsy, asthma, sore throat, chest pain, excessive sputum; muscular
atrophy, motor impairment, pain, paralysiS or swelling of the lower extremities. P. 25mm
ST39
Pain in lower abdomen, mastitis, lower extremities pain, paralysis and motor impairment and muscular atrophy;
ache in back referring to testicles. P. 25mm
ST38
Leg and shoulder pain/paralysis, motor impairment and muscular atrophy. P. 25mm
ST37
Hemiplegia, pain and distention in abdomen, noises in the abdomen, dysentety, diarrhea, appendicitis, beri-
beri. P. 25mm
ST36 (SEA)-Eanh
Mental disorders, dizziness, hemiplegia, abdominal pain and distention, stomach pain, vomiting, indigestion,
diarrhea, constipation, dysentety, noises in the abdomen, mastitiS, beri-beri, knee joint and leg aches. P. 25mm
ST35
Motor impairment, numbness and pain in knee, beri-beri. 0. 25mm
ST34
Gastric pain, mastitis, motor impairment of the leg, swelling and pain in knee. P. 25mm
ST33
Leg numbness! motor impairment and pain. P. 25mm
ST32
Lumbar and iliac pain, leg motor impairment and pain, coldness in knee, beri-beri. P. 25-30mm
Appendix A 169
ST.31
Leg muscular atrophy/ motor impairment, pain and numbness, thigh pain. P. 25·30mm
ST.30
Irregular menstruation, hernia, swelling and pain in external genital area. P. 25mm
ST.29
Hernia, pain in abdomen, amenorrhoea, uterine prolapse. P. 25rnm
ST.28
Hemia, urine retention, distention in the lower abdominal area (Vata). P. 25mm
ST.27
Hernia, urine retention, seminal emission, distention in the lower abdominal area. P. 25mm
ST.26
Hernia, pain in abdominal area. P. 25mm
ST.25 (Large Intestine Organ Front Point)

Edema, diarrhoea, constipation, dysentery, irregular menstruation; noises, distention and pain in abdorninal area.
P.25mm
ST.24
Mental disorders, pain in the gastric region, vomiting. P. 25mm
ST.23
Mental disorders, restlessness and irritability, indigestion and pain in the gastric region. P. 25mm
ST.22
Edema, anorexia, diarrhoea, noises, distention and pain in the abdomen. P. 25mm
ST.21
Anorexia, vomiting, loose stools, pain in the gastric region. P. 25mm
ST.20
Anorexia, vomiting, distention in the abdomen, pain in the gastric region. P. 25mm
ST.19
Anorexia, vomiting, distention in the abdomen, pain in the gastric region. P. 15mm
ST.18
Asthma, maStitis, cough, chest pain, defiCiency in lactation. 0. 8mm
ST.17
Not to be punctured (nipple).
ST.16
Asthma, mastitis, cough, chest fullness and pain. 0. 8mm
ST.15
Asthma, mastitis, cough, chest fullness and pain. 0. 8mm
ST.14
Cough, hypochondria and chest pain and fullness. 0. 8mm
ST.13
Asthma, cough, chest fullness. P. 8mm
ST.12
Asthma, sore throat, cough, supraclavicular fossa region pain. P. 8mm
ST.ll
Asthma, sore throat P. lOmm
ST.10
Asthma, sore throat P 12.5mm
ST.9
Dizziness, flushing of the face, asthma, sore throat. P 12.5mm
ST.8
Headaches, eye pains, blurred vision, tears aggravated by wind. H. 25mm (along scalp)
ST.7
Toothache, jaw motor impairment, arthritis in the jaw, noises in the ear, ear discharges, facial paralysis. P 12.5mm
ST.6
Toothache, facial paralysis, motor disturbance of the trigeminal nerve, mumps, neck stiffness and pain, swelling
of the cheek area, arthritis in the jaw. P 12.5mm
ST.5
Toothache, motor disturbance of the trigeminal nerve, swelling of the cheek area, mouth deviation, stomatitis.
0. 8mm (towards ST.6)
ST.4
Imbalance in salivation, mouth deviation, twitching eyelid. 0. 25mm
ST.3
Toothache, facial paralysis, twitching eyelid, nosebleed, cheek and lip swelling and pain. P lOmm
ST.2
Pain and paralysis of the face, eye redness and pain, twitching of eyelid, myopia. P 8mm
ST.1
Paralysis of the face, eye redness, pain, swelling. conjunctivitis, tears made worse by Wind, night blindness, twitch·
ing eyelid and myopia. P 15mm
GAllBLADDER CHANNEL
ELEMENT - Ether
ORGAN-Gallbladder TYPE: Hollow Organ
HUMOR-Pitta (Secondary)
TIME OF ENERGY PEAK-ll p.m.·1 a.m.
CHANNEL LOCATION-Outside of leg.
GB.44 (WELL)-Wind
Febrtle diseases, dream disturbed sleep, deafness, one-sided headache, pain in eye; pain in the hypochondria. 0. 6mm
GB.43 (SPRlNG)- Water

Febrile dtseases, headache, blurred vision, pain in outer canthus, deafness,ringing in the ears, cheek pain, sub-
mandibular, costal and hypochondria pain. O. 8mm
GB.42
Painful and red eyes, aXillary swelling. foot dorsum swelling and redness, distending pain in breast. P 10mm
GB.41 (STREAM)-Ether
Malaria, pain in outer canthus, blurred vision, costal and hypochondria pain, mastitis, foot dorsum pain and
swelling. P 12.5mm
GBAO (SOURCE)
Malaria, necklchest and hypochondria pain, axillary swelling. vomiting. acid regurgitation, muscular atrophy,
motor impairment/ weakness and pain in lower extremities, pain and swelling of lateral aspect of ankle joint. P
12.5mm
Appendix A 171
CB.39
Rigidity in neck area, abdominal distention, chest fullness, hemiplegia, leg/knee and hypochondria pain, beri-
beri, knee and ankle arthritis. P. 12.5mm
CB.38 (RIVER)-Fire
Malaria, one-sided headache, outer canthus/supraclavicular fossa and axillary pain, scrofula, pain in
chest/hypochondria and lateral aspect of lower extremities, arthritis in knee_ P 15mm
CB.37 (BRIDCE POINT)

Knee pain, muscular atrophy, motor impairment and pain in leg, eye pain, myopia, night blindness, breast pain.
P.25mm
CB.36 (CLEFT)
Neck, chest and hypochondria pain, cramp in calf. P 20mm
CB.35
Pain in knee, hypochondria and chest fullness, foot weakness and muscular atrophy. P. 20mm
CB.34 (SEA)-Earth
Hemiplegia, bitter taste in mouth, vomiting, constipation, muscular atrophy/motor impairment/numbness and
pain of the lower extremities, knee pain and swelling, hypochondria and costal pain, high blood pressure. P. 25mm
CB.33
Leg numbness, knee pain and swelling, tendon contracture in rear of the knee. P 12.5mm
CB.32
Hemiplegia, leg muscular atrophy/ numbness/ pain, motor impairment and weakness. P 20mm
CB.31
Ceneral itching, hemiplegia, sciatica, leg pain/motor impairment and muscular atrophy, paralysis in children,
knee arthritis. P 25 mm
CB.30
Hemiplegia, hip and lower back pain, sciatica, leg pain/weakness! motor impairment and muscular atrophy,
paralysis in children. P 25-50mm
CB.29
Leg and back paralysis and pain. P. 25mm
CB.28
Uterine prolapse, leukorrhea, pain in lower abdomen! hip and lower back. P 25mm
CB.27
Hernia, leukorrhea, hip and lower back pain. P 25mm
CB.26
Hernia, leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, hypochondria and lower back pain. P 25mm
CB.25 (Kidney Organ Front POint)
Distention in abdomen, diarrhea, abdominal noises, hypochondria and lower back pain. P 25mm
CB.24 (Callbladder Organ Front Point)

Jaundice, hiccup, vomiting, regurgitation. 0. 12.5mm
CB.23
Asthma, chest fullness. O. 12.5mm
CB.22
Auxiliary swelling, hypochondria pain. O. 12.5mm
CB.21
Apoplexy, mastitis, neck rigidity, shoulder and back pain, arm and hand motor impairment. P 12.5mm
GB.20
~brile diseases, headaches, common cold, dizziness, rhinorrhea, pain and redness in eyes, neck pain and stiff-
ness, back and shoulder pain. P. 25mm
GB.19
Headaches, neck stiffness and pain. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.1S
Headaches, nosebleeds and rhinorrhea. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.17
Headaches on one side of the head, blurred vision. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.16
Headaches, painful and red eyes, blurred vision. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.15
Headaches, obstructions in nasal passage, blurred vision, tears made worse by wind. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.14
Frontal headaches, twitching of eyelid, blurred vision. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.13
Headaches, blurred vision, epilepsy. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.12
Insomnia, headaches, toothaches, faCial paralYSiS, s/neck stiffness and pain, cheek swelling. O. 12.5mm (down)
GB.11
Headaches, earaches, deafness, ringing in the ears, neck pain. H. Smm (along skin)
GB.1O
Headaches, ringing in the ears, deafness. H. Smm (along skin)
GB.9
DepreSSive mental disturbances, headaches, gum swelling. H. Smm (along skin)
GB.S
Headaches on one side of the head (Pitta type). H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.7
Temporal headaches (Pitta), cheek and jaw swelling, lockjaw. H. Smm (along skin)
GB.6
Temporal headaches (Pitta). H. Smm (along skin)
GB.5
Temporal headaches (Pitta). H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GBA
Temporal headaches (Pitta), blurred vision, ringing in the ears. H. 12.5mm (along skin)
GB.3
Headaches, toothache, ringing in ears, faCial paralysiS and deafness. P. Smm
GB.2
Toothaches, ringing in ears, deafness, facial paralYSiS. P. 15mm
GB.l
Headaches, tears and red eyes, progreSSive loss of vision. H. Smm (along skin)
Appendix A 173
URINARY BLADDER CHANNEL

ELEMENT - Water
ORGAN-Urinary Bladder TYPE: Hollow Organ
HUMOR-Vata (Secondary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Rear aspect of leg. back and head.
UB.67 (WELL)-Wind
Headache, nosebleed, nasal obstruction, pain in eyes, difficult labor, heat in sole of the foot. 0. 4mm
UB.66 (SPRING)- Water

Blurred vision, headache, neck rigidiry, nosebleed. 1'. 6mm
UB.65 (STREAM)-Ether
Headaches, mental confusion, neck rigidiry, blurred vision, backache, pain in rear of leg. 1'. 8mm
UB.64 (SOURCE)
Headaches, dizziness, epilepsy, neck rigidiry, lower back and leg pain (Vata). 1'. 12.5mm
UB.63 (CLEFT)
Convulsions in infants, epilepsy, backache, leg motor impairment and pain. 1'. 12.5mm
UB.62
Mental confusion, insomnia, headaches, diZziness, epilepsy, leg and back aches. 1'. 8mm
UB.61
Leg weakness and muscular atrophy, heel pain. 1'. 12.5mm
UB.60 (RIVER)-Fire
Headache, blurred vision, nosebleed, rigidiry of neck, shoulder and arm spasms and pain, backache, heel and
ankle pain, epilepsy in children, difficult labor, sdatica. 1'. 12.5mm
UB.59
Headache, head heaviness, pain in eye, lower back pain, leg paralysis, kidney and bladder inflammation, exter-
nal malleolus swelling and redness, rheumatoid arthritis. 1'. 25mm
UB.58 (BRIDGE POINT)

Headache, blurred vision, obstruction of the nasal passages. nosebleed, lumbago, leg weakness. 1'. 25mm
UB.57
Hemorrhoids, constipation, leg pain, pain in lower back, rectal prolapse, beri-beri. 1'. 25mm
UB.56
HemorrhOids, acute pain in lower back, leg pain. 1'. 25mm
UB.55
Backache, leg ache/ paralysis and numbness. 1'. 25mm
UB.54
HemorrhOids, lumbar-sacral pain, leg muscular atrophy/pain and motor impairment, sdatica. 1'. 25mm
UB.53
Distention and noises in abdomen, lower back pain. P. 25mm
UB.52
Impotence, seminal emission, urine retention, lower back pain/swelling and stiffness. 1'. 25mm
UB.51
Constipation, epigastric pain, masses in abdomen, leg and neck pain. 1'. 25mm
UB.50
Distention in abdomen, epigastric and back pain. 0. 12.5mm
UB.49
Difficulty in swallowing, distention in abdomen, diarrhea, noises in abdomen, vomiting, lumbago, sciatica,
cystitis, hemorrhoids. 0. 12.5mm
UB.48
Jaundice, diarrhea, noises in abdomen, pain in abdomen. 0. 12.5mm
UB.47
Chest, back and hypochondria pain, diarrhea, vomiting. 0. 12.5mm
UBA6
Vomiting, belching, back pain and stiffness, difficulty in swallOWing. 0. 12.5mm
UB.45·44
Asthma,cough, shoulder and back pain and stiffness. 0. 12.5mm
UB.43
Poor memoty, asthma, cough, lung tuberculosis, coughing up blood, night sweating, indigestion, seminal emis·
sion. 0. 12.5mm
UB.42
Asthma, cough, lung tuberculosis, shoulder and back pain, rigidity in neck. 0. 12.5mm
UB.41
Neck, shoulder and back pain and stiffness, elbow and arm numbness. O. 12.5mm
UBAO (SEA)- Earth
Lower back pain, hip joint motor impairment, muscular atrophy, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. P. 25mm
UB.39
Lower back stiffness and pain, distention in the lower abdomen (Vata),leg and foot cramps, urine emission. P.
25mm
UB.38
Contracture of tendons on rear of knee, numbness in thigh. P. 25mm
UB.37
Thigh and lower back pain. P. 25mm
UB.36
Sacral and lumbar pain, hemorrhoids. P. 25mm
UB.35
Diarrhea, dysentery, impotence, leukorrhea. P. 25mm
UB.34
Lower back pain, lower abdominal pain, urine retention/difficulty, constipation. P. 25mm
UB.33
Constipation, pain in lower back, urine retention, leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, sciatica, hemorrhoids.
P.25mm
UB.32
Rheumatism, motor impairment and muscular atrophy of the leg, hernia, leukorrhea, irregular menstruation,
pain in the lower back, sciatica, hemorrhoids. P. 25mm
Appendix A 175
UB.3i
Uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, urine retention, leukorrhea, pain in lower back, sciatica, hemorrhoids.
P.25mm
UB.30
Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, seminal emission, endometriosis, sciatica, hemia, hip and lower back pain.
P.25mm
UB.29
Hernia, dysentery, lower back stiffness and pain. P. 25mm
UB.28 (Urinary Bladder Organ Rear Point)
Diarrhea, constipation, urine emission and retention, seminal emiSSion, pain and distention in lower abdomen.
P'25mm
UB.27
Urine emission, dysentery, seminal emiSSion, pain and distention in lower abdomen. P. 25mm
UB.26
Diarrhea, distention in abdomen, pain in lower back. P. 25mm
UB.25 (Large Intestine Organ Rear POint)
Pain and distention in abdomen, constipation, enteritis, diarrhea, noises in the abdomen, pain in lower back,
paralysiS in infants. P. 25mm
UB.24
Pain in lower back, lumbago, hemorrhoids. P. 25mm
UB.23 (Kidney Organ Rear Point)
Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, deafness, impotence, urine emission, leukorrhea, ache in back, knee weakness,
seminal emission, irregular menstruation, nephritis. P. 25mm
UB.22 (Tridosha Rear Point)
Vomiting, indigestion, dysentery, diarrhea, noises and distention in abdomen, lower back stiffness and pain.
P.25mm
UB.2i (Stomach Organ Rear Point)
Vomiting, nausea, indigestion, noises in the abdomen, distention in abdomen, chest/epigastric and hypochon-
dria pain. 0. i2.5mm
UB.20 (Spleen Organ Rear POint)
Jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, indigestion, distention in abdomen, back pain and swelling. 0. i2.5mm
UB.19 (Gallbladder Organ Rear Point)
Lung tuberculosis, bitter taste in mouth, jaundice, fever, chest and hypochondria pain. 0. i2.5mm
UB.18 (Liver Organ Rear Point)
Mental confusion, epilepsy, blurred viSion, night blindness, nosebleed, jaundice, hepatitis, redness in eye, coughing
of blood, pain in the back and hypochondria. 0. i2.5mm
UB.17
Cough, asthma, difficulty in swallowing, hiccup, vomiting, coughing up blood, night sweating, fever (Yata type).
O.12.5mm
UB.16
Pain in heart and abdomen(due to its location). 0. i2.5mm
UB.15 (Heart Organ Rear Point)
Mental lapse, irritability, panic, epilepsy, palpitations, coughing up of blood, cough. 0. i2.5mm
UB.14 (Pericardium Organ Rear Point)

Mental disturbance and restlessness, palpitations, cardiac pain, heart disease, gastric ulcer, vomiting. 0. 12.5mm
UB.13 (Lung Organ Rear Point)

Asthma, common colds, bronchitis, coughing up blood, cough, night sweating, Vata type fever. O. 12.5mm
UB.12
Headache, cough, common cold, fever, backache, rigidity of neck. 0. 12.5mm
UB.ll
Headache, cough, fever, scapular aches, neck rigidity. 0. 12.5mm
UB.tO
Headaches, obstruction in nasal passage, neck, back and shoulder pain. P 12.5mm
UB.9
Headache, obstruction in nasal passage. H. 12.5mm
UB.8
Mental confusion, ringing in the ears, dizziness. H. 12.5mm
UB.7
Headache, nosebleed, dizziness, obstruction in nasal passage. H. 12.5mm
UB.6
Headache, blurred vision, obstruction in nasal passage. H. 12.5mm
UB.5
Headache, epilepsy, blurred vision. H. 12.5mm
UB.4
Frontal headache, nosebleed, obstruction in nasal passage, blurred vision. H. 12.5mm
UB.3
Headache, epilepsy, dizziness. H. 12.5mm
UB.2
Headaches, tWitching eyelid, blurred vision, eye redness/pain and swelling. H. 125mm
UB.1
Night blindness, color blindness, eye redness! pain and swelling, cataract. P 6mm
LIVER CHANNEL
ELEMENT -Ether
ORGAN-Liver TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR-Pitta (Secondaty)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Inside area of leg
Lv.1 (WELL)-Ether
Uterine prolapse and hemorrhage, hernia, urine emission. 0. 6mm
Lv.2 (SPRING)-Fire
Insomnia, headache, blurred vision, glaucoma, menorrhagia, epilepsy, eye swellinlifpain and redness, hernia,
pain in urethra, urine retention, hernia, deviation of mouth, convulsion. 0. 12.5mm
Lv.3 (STREAM)-Earth
InsOmnia, headache, high blood pressure, vertigo, epilepsy, diabetes, jaundice, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, hernia,
urine retention, urine emission, deviation of mouth, convulsion in infants. P 12.5mm
Appendix A 177
Lv.4 (RIVER)-Wind
Seminal emission, pain on outside of genitals, retention of urine, hernia. P 12.5mm
Lv.5 (BRIDGE POINT)

Irregular menstruation, leg pain, difficulty in urination, hernia. H. 12mm
Lv.6 (CLEFT)
Uterine hemorrhage, hernia, arthritis in leg. H. 12.5mm
Lv]
Pain in inner area of knee. P 13mm
Lv.8 (SEA)-Water
Mania, uterine prolapse, pain in lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, pruritus in vulva, seminal emission, pain
in knee/medial aspect of thigh and outside of genitals. P. 20mm
Lv.9
Irregular menstruation, difficulty in urination, pain in lumbar-sacral region and referred to lower abdomen. P
15mm
Lv.10
Urine retention, distention in lower abdomen. P 25mm
Lv.ll
Leg and thigh pain, irregular menstruation. P 25mm
Lv. 12
External genital pain, hernia. P 25mm
Lv.13 (Spleen Organ Front Point)

Diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, distention in abdomen, hepatitis, costallhypochondria and dorso-lumbar pain.
P25mm
Lv.14 (Liver Organ Front Point)
Vomiting, hiccup, distention in abdomen, chest and hypochondria pain, chest fullness. 0. 8mm
SPLEEN CHANNEL
ELEMENT - Earth
ORGAN-Spleen TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR-Kapha (Primary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Inner aspect of leg
Sp.! (WELL)-Ether
Mental disorders, dream disturbed sleep, abdominal distention, uterine bleeding, convulsion. 0. 4mm
Sp.2 (SPRING)-Fire
Febrile diseases without perspiration, gastric pain, abdominal distention. 0. 6mm
Sp.3 (STREAM/SOURCE)-Earth
Gastric pain, abdominal distention, dysentery, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea. P 8mm
Sp.4 (BRIDGE POINT)

Vomiting, gastric pain, abdominal noises and pain, dysentery, diarrhea. P 25mm
Sp.5 (RIVER)-Wind
Pain and stiffness in tongue, abdominal noises and distention, constipation, diarrhea, ankle and foot pain. P 8mm
Sp.6 (Meeting point of Spleen/Kidney/liver channels in leg)

Insomnia, abdominal distention and noises, loose stools, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding. leukorrhea,
uterine prolapse, amenorrhea, difficult labor, seminal emission, sterility, external genital pain, hernia, difficulty
in urinating. leg motor impairment and muscular atrophy/paralysis and pain. P. 25mm
Sp.7
Distention and noises in abdomen, knee and leg paralysis. P. 25mm
Sp.8(CLEFn
Abdominal distention, dysentery, irregular menstruation, anorexia, seminal emission and difficulty in urina-
tion. P. 25mm
Sp.9 (SEA)-Water
Abdominal distention, jaundice, diarrhea, incontinence, premature ejaculation, external genital pain, seminal
emission, knee pain. P. 25mm
Sp.10
Unicaria, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding. dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, eczema, inner thigh pain. P.
25mm
Sp.1l
Urine retention, swelling and pain in inguinal area. P. 12.5mm
Sp.12
Urine retention, hernia, pain in abdomen, endometritis, navel hernia. P. 25mm
Sp.13
Appendicitis, pain in abdomen, hernia. P. 25mm
Sp.14
Diarrhea, hernia, pain in navel. P. 25mm
Sp.15
Constipation, dysentery, indigestion, pain in abdomen. P. 25mm
Sp.16
Constipation, dysentery, indigestion, pain in abdomen. P. 25mm
Sp.17
Chest and hypochondria pain and fullness. O. 12.5mm
Sp.18
Deficiency in lactation, maStitis, cough, chest pain. 0. 12.5mm
Sp.19
Chest and hypochondria pain. 0. 12.5mm
Sp.20
Cough, chest and hypochondria sensation of fullness. 0. 12.5mm
Sp.21 (BRIDGE POINn
Asthma, chest pain. 0. 12.5mm
KIDNEY CHANNEL
ELEMENT-Water
ORGAN-Kidney TYPE: Solid Organ
HUMOR-Vata (Secondary)
CHANNEL LOCATION-Rear aspect of inside of leg
Appendix A 179
K.l (Well)-Ether
Unconsciousness, pain in vertex, dizziness, blurred vision, sore throat, dryness of tongue, loss of voice, difficul·
ty in urination, convulsion in infants, heat On the sole. P. 12.5mm
K.2 (SPRING)- Fire

Seminal emission, pruritus vulvae, uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, coughing of blood, diarrhea. P. Bmm
K.3 (STREAM/SOURCE)-Earth
Insomnia, toothache, asthma, sore throat, deafness, coughing of blood, irregular menstruation, impotence, seminal
emission, excessive urination, lower back pain. P. Bmm
K.4 (BRIDGE POINT)

Asthma, coughing of blood, difficulty in urination. P. Bmm
K.5 (CLEFT)
Blurred vision, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, uterine prolapse, difficulty in urination. P. IOmm
K.6
InSOmnia, epilepsy, hernia, sore throat, uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, difficulty in urination. P. 12.5mm
K.7 (RIVER)-Wind
Night sweating, spontaneous sweating, diarrhea, abdominal distention and noises, leg muscular atrophy and
swelling, foot weakness and paralysiS. P. 12.5mm
K.B
Irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding and prolapse, diarrhea, constipation, pain and swelling in testicles. P.
IOmm
K9
Mental disorders, pain in medial aspect of the leg P. 20mm
K.IO (SEA)-Water
Hernia, impotence, uterine bleeding, pain in medial aspect of thigh and knee. P. 25mm
K.l1
Urine retention, impotence, external genital pain, seminal emission. P. 20mm
K.l2
Leukorrhea, external genital pain, seminal emission. P. 25mm
K.13
Diarrhea, irregular menstruation. P. 25mm
K.l4
Diarrhea, pain in abdomen after birth, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation. P. 25mm
K.15
Constipation, vomiting, pain and distention in abdomen. P. 25mm
K.16
Constipation, vomiting, pain and distention in abdomen. P. 25mm
K.l7
Constipation, diarrhea, distended abdomen. P. 25mm
K.IB
Constipation, vomiting, pain in abdomen, pain in abdomen after birth. P. 25mm
K.19
NOises, pain and distention in abdomen. P. 25mm
K.20
Indigestion, vomiting, distention and pain in abdomen. P. 25mm
K.21
Diarrhea, vomiting, pain in abdomen. P 15mm
K.22
Asthma, cough. 0. 12.5mm
K.23
Asthma, cough, mastitis, chest and hypochondria fullness. 0. 12.5mm
K.24
Asthma, cough, mastitis, chest and hypochondria fullness. 0. 12.5mm
K.25
Pain in chest, cough, asthma. 0. 12.5mm
K.26
Asthma, cough, chest and hypochondria fullness. 0. 12.5mm
K.27
Pain in chest, cough, asthma. P 10mm
• The flow direction of pranic energy through the channel occurs from the first point listed in each channel (well
point) to the last point listed- in the case of the Kidney channel above, it is K.27, the final marma of the Kidney
channel.
APPENDIXB
ACUPUNCTIJRE TREATMENT OF DISEASES
1. ANEMIA
Anemia is characterized by a lack of red blood cells and haemoglobin (iron carriers). It tends to reflect a lack of
iron and therefore related to a vitiation of Vata. Ayurveda calls this disease Pandu Roga (pale disease).
Symptoms include paleness of the skin, especially in the inside lining of the eyelids and border of the tongue.
There also tends to be low blood pressure, shallow breathing, clizziness and a rapid pulse. All of these point to
a Vata derangement.
Point Indication
L7 Dizziness
LIlI Sea point, affects Vata and the L. I.
P6 Sea point, affects and relieves the chest area (shallow breathing)
UBI8 Rear liver organ point.
UBI9 Rear Gallbladder organ point.
St36 Sea point, affecting stomach, increasing Earth growth and strength in body (anti Nata).
Sp6 Meeting point of the three solid organ channels in leg, which affect the Lower area of trunk (Vata).
2. ASTHMA
Asthma involves tightness and constriction in chest, breathing difficulties, wheezing during exhaling and is called
Tomaka Shvasa in Ayurveda. Asthma attacks caused by allergens can be attributed to a lowered immune system.
Ayurveda believes asthma to have gastro·intestinal imbalance origins (especially lowered Agni). Correct cliagnosis
is essential to ascertain which humor is vitiated. Dry wheezing cough (and triggered by nerveslstress) type relates
to Vata. Phlegm congestion type involves Kapha while a rapid, rolling pulse with thick yellow tongue coating
relates to Pitta.
Vata type of asthma involves needling the Lung and Large Intestine channels. This tends to eliminate Wind
and coldness.
Pitta type of asthma involves needling the Sea point of the Lung channel (L5) to increase Water and decrease
Fire (according to the Wheel of Control). Water controls Fire.
Kapha type asthma involves needling Stomach 40 to relax the chest and remove phlegm.
The Sea point of the Stomach channel relates to the Earth element. The Stream point of the Lung channel also
relates to the Earth element. Consequently, by needling these two points (5t36,L9) the Wind element (lunglL.I.)
can be tonified, according to the Parent/Child concept and the Wheel of Support.
Point Indication
Vata
UBI3 Rear Lung organ point. Balances lung.
L7 Bridge point of Lung and Large Intestine channels. Treats imbalances in these two and reduces
wind and cold.
LI4 Source (Base) point of Large Intestine. Prescribed for imbalances in the large intestine (Vata's
source organ).
Pitta
St40 Bridge point of the Stomach and Spleen channels. Asthma point, removes phlegm and decreases
heat in lung.
L5 Sea point (Water). Balances lung and removes heat.
Kapha
St40 Bridge point of the Stomach and Spleen channels. Asthma pOint, removes phlegm.
181
3. AMENORRHEA
This is the imbalance involving scanty flow during menstruation. Sdect appropriate points of channds which
are positioned in the Vata area of the trunks and the legs or of organs physically positioned in this lower trunk
area (reproductive system).
Point Indication
UB32 Removes blood stagnation in uterus.
St29 Removes blood congestion and indicated in amenorrhea.
Ll4 Source (base) point of the Large Intestine channel (Vata) which affects the lower trunk.
Sp6 Meeting point of Kidney, Liver and Spleen channels. Adjusts blood flow through the reproductive
system.
Lv2 Spring point, allows in and outflow of blood in liver.
Spl0 Affects the circulation of blood and promotes blood flow in menstruation.
UB18 Liver rear organ point. Affects the liver (blood flow).
UB20 Spleen rear organ point. Affects the spleen.
UB23 Kidney rear organ point. Kidney organ affects Vata and the reproductive system.
St25 Large Intestine front organ point.
St36 Sea point.
4. COMMON COLD
The common cold can be caused by four types of imbalances but essentially it is caused by a lowered immune
system and is a set of symptoms which attempts to rid the body of accumulated toxins etc. The accumulation
or aggravation of the three humors during a particular season and or its incorrect resolution of previous seasons
(by suppressing symptoms) may lead to the common cold. The vitiation of the Tridosha or balance of the three
humors may result in a chronic cold.
Point Indications
Vata (greylblack tongue coat/pale tongue proper)
UB12 Reduces Wind (and Vata) and alleviates headache&
Ll20 Reduces pathogeniC Wind in the head area.
Ll4 Source (Base) point of the L.1. increasing Fire and decreasing cold.
K7 River point increases Fire by supporting Ether (heat).
L7 Bridge point of Lung and Large Intestine channels (Vata). Relieves nasal obstruction, headaches and
coughs.
Pitta (Yellow tongue coat, red tongue proper).
GB20 Febrile diseases, common cold, headache and general Pitta head and shoulder symptoms.
305 Febrile diseases, headaches.
Kapha (White tongue coat)
Ll4 Source (base) point. Increases heat and decreases cold.
K7 River point. Increases Fire by supporting Ether (heat).
5. DYSMENORRHEA
Dysmenorrhea (Rakta Pradara) is a dis-function of the menstrual system and can be generally divided into two
types: (a) Menorrhagia which is characterized by excessive bleeding during the monthly cycle. (b) Metrorrhagia
which involves excessive bleeding at irregular intervals. Usually this is caused by an imbalance in Pitta which af-
fects the hormones and therefore causes their imbalance. When Pitta is vitiated excess bleeding can occur anywhere
in the body (e.g. rectal bleeding, nose bleeds etc.)
Point Indication
SplO This point activates correct blood Circulation.
Sp8 Used for pain relief during menstruation.
Ll4 Used for pain relief during menstruation.
Appendix B 183
Point Indication
St27 Removes blood stagnation and relieves pain locally in the reproductive area.
UB20/23 Regulate function of spleen and kidney (source of blood formation).
Sp6 Sea point. Strengthens spleen function (source of blood formation).
St36 Sea point. Strengthens stomach function (source of blood formation).
UB40 Sea point. Eliminates excess heat in blood (Pitta).
6. DYSENTERY
Dysentery can be of amoebic origin (pravahika) and involVing Kapha or of bacillary origin (Raktatisa) and in-
volVing Pitta.
Point Indication
Kapha
UB20 Spleen organ point, indicated in this disorder as it warms spleen and removes intestinal congestion.
UB21 Stomach organ point, indicated in dysentery as it warms the stomach.
Sp6 This point assists in dispersing dampness (Kapha) and strengthens the function of the spleen
(Kapha organ).
St36 Clears intestinal congestion.
Pitta
St44 Spring point (Water), eliminates heat.
LIll Sea point (Eanh). Child of Fire (parent) eliminates heat, especially in the L.I.
Sp9 Sea point (Water), controls Fire (heat) by strengthening the spleen.
St25 Large intestine organ point. Indicated in dysentery by clearing congestion in the large intestine.
St37 Large intestine Sea point. Removes congestion in the large intestine.
LI4 Base (source) point of L.I. indicated in dysentery and in syndromes of the large intestine. Removes
congestion in this organ.
7. DIARRHEA
Diarrhoea can be caused by an imbalance in: (1) Vata and fright (2) Pitta (3) Kapha (4) 3D (5) Treatment of Ama
is best undenaken by using bitter and pungent herbs. Bitter herbs tend to dislodge the toxins (Arna) from the tissues
while pungent ones consume Ama. Besides acupuncture, diarrhoea can be reduced by drinking boiled rice water
(with a pinch of salt for flavor). This tends to reduce the diarrhea and is quite effective in long. drawn-out cases.
Point Indication
St25 Large intestine organ point on front of body. Adjusts transponation and functioning of the organ
proper.
UB25 Large intestine organ point on rear of body. Similarly adjusts transponation in the L.I. while also
checking diarrhea.
St36 Sea point. Strengthens transponation in the spleen and stomach (Kapha).
UB23 Kidney rear organ point. Balancing kidneys to suppon Vata area of the trunk.
K3 Stream point (Eanh). Eanh (parent) suppons Wind (L.I.)-(child).
8. ERYSIPELAS
Erysipelas can be caused by imbalances in: (1) Vata (2) Pitta (3) Kapha (4) 3D (5) Trauma.
Point Indication
UB40 Sea point. Eliminates heat in the blood by acting as child, dissipating energy from parent
(Fire-UB60).
P3 Sea point. Eliminates heat by encouraging Water.
Llll Sea point .Eliminates heat from the large intestine.
Ll4 Source (base) point of large intestine, eliminates heat in large intestine. Removes congestion in L.I.
9. HICCUP
Hikka Roga or hiccup is caused by vitiation of Vata. Vayu or Wind tends to rise in this case.
Point Indication
UB17 Subdues ascending Wind (Vayu).
P6 Sea point. Affects and relieves fullness in chest area.
St36 Sea point. Indicated for treatment of stomach syndrome. Stomach is affected by rising Vayu.
10. HYSTERIA
Hysteria usually relates to Vata, the most subtle humor and one which affects the nerves.
Point Indication
LI4 Source (base) point. Adjusts Vata by adjusting the large intestine.
Lv3 Stream point. Adjusts liver function to relieve convulsions.
Ki Well point. Subtle effect on Vata and removes unconsciousness.
P6 Stops suffocating sensations.
H7 Stream point (Earth). Indicated in hysteria. Earth tonifies Wind (child) by acting as its parent.
11. HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids (Arsha) are varicosed veins in the rectal caVity caused by congestion in the large intestine. They
can be painful and can often bleed. Those that are moist and hot tend to relate to Pitta, those which are dty and
painful to Vata and those which are moist and cold relate to Kapha.
Point Indication
UB57 Indicated in hemorrhoidal syndromes.
UB32 Indicated for pain in lower back and leg.
G1 Point located in perineal area indicated for hemorrhoidal treatment due to its local position (near the
rectum).
12. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure (RaktaVata) is also called hypertension. The main cause according to Ayurveda is vitiation
of Vata. This then leans towards arterial hardening, narrowing and congestion (Vata can dty up moisture in blood).
RaktaVata means "Vata in the blood".
Point Indication
LIll Sea point. Treats Wind in the large intestine and balances Vata.
St36 Sea point. This is related to Earth which is the parent of Wind. it has a tonifying effect on Vata.
GB20 Indicated for vertigo and headaches which occur in this condition.
Lv3 Stream point. Earth tonifies Wind and therefore Vata. It is indicated for vertigo and headaches.
Sp9 Sea pOint. As a Water pOint, it treats Vata by supporting the kidneys.
13. IMPOTENCE
Impotence (Klaivya) can be caused by imbalances in the follOWing: (1) Vata (2) Pitta (3) Kapha (4) 3D It usually
relates to a kidney imbalance or Vata.
Point Indication
Vata
UB15 Heart rear organ point. Relaxes the nervous system and therefore calms Vata.
Pitta
H7 Stream point. This point relates to Earth which is the child of Fire
(H8). Consequently it removes heat by sedating the Spring point.
Appendix B 185
Point Indication
Kapha
Sp6 This point is the junction of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney channels. They are the main pro-
tagonists in the genital and Vata area of the body.
General
UB25 Large intestine organ rear point. Corrects Vata by affecting the large intestine.
K3 Stream point (Earth). Strengthens large intestine and Vata according to the parent/child law.
14. JAUNDICE
Jaundice (Kamala) is usually caused by the inflammation of the liver and if yellow tongue coating is found it
is due to an imbalance in Pitta. Otherwise if a white tongue coating is found it is caused by vitiated Kapha affec-
ting the liver.
Point Indication
Kapha
Sp9 Sea point (Water). Reduces phlegm in Kapha syndromes.
St36 Sea point (Earth). Supports the stomach in Kapha syndromes.
Pitta
GB34 Sea point (Earth). Reduces heat or Pitta by acting as child to Fire (GB38). Affects the liver as the GB
is internally related to it.
Lv3 Stream point (Earth). Reduces heat or Pitta in liver by acting as child of Fire (Lv2).
UB48 Indicated in jaundice conditions.
GB24 Gallbladder front organ point. Treatment of gallbladder syndromes, including jaundice.
15. LEUCORRHEA
Leucorrhea (Shweta Pradara), characterized by white vaginal discharge, is often caused by an imbalance in Kapha
affecting the reproductive system, especially prominent in Vata females. When yellow discharge is prominent,
the liver and gallbladder are also implicated.
Point Indication
UB23 Kidney rear organ point. Tonifies Prana, especially in the kidneys (which affect the reproductive
system).
UB32 this point is prescribed for leucorrhoea as it is adjacent to the affected area and in Vata channel.
UB30 As above point.
Lv5 Bridge point. This point reduces Fire and balances the liver and gallbladder.
Sp9 Sea point (Water). By tonifying this point, the spleen is strengthened, redUcing heat.
16_ LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
Low blood pressure (Nyuna Raktachapa) or otherwise called hypotension is normally a Vata derangement, af-
fecting Vata constitutions.
Point Indication
Lv3 Stream point (Earth). As the parent of Wind, Lv3 tOnifies and increases the correct pranic energy
levels in the L.l., to raise the blood pressure.
P6 Bridge point of 3D and pericardium, affecting flow of body fluids through the body, increasing cir-
culation and blood pressure.
17. MALARIA
Malaria is usually triggered by the bite of a mosquito, but only in those people who are susceptible to the disease,
according to Tridosha imbalances. Treatment is according to symptoms, especially fever (Pitta) and mental confu-
sion (Vata).
Point Indication
Pitta
P5 River point (Wind). P5 acts as the parent of the Sea point (P3) which represents Water. By treating
the parent the child is supported and increased, tending to eliminate internal heat and fever.
Sl3 Stream point (Ether). Indicated in malaria and febrile conditions, disperSing heat in the external
disease pathway (Pitta).
Vata Mental confusion. Use the twelve Wen points located in both arms since they deal with the most
subtle (Ether) and Vata.
lS.MUMPS
Mumps (Karnamulaka) are usually caused by a Pitta infection or imbalance. It is characterized by inflammation
and swelling. There is yellow urine and thirst. The heat affects the large intestine and 3D channels which cross
the swollen area.
Point Indication
LI4 Source (base) pOint.lndicated in faCial swelling by eliminating heat in the large intestine (and face)
via its channel. LIll Sea point (Earth). It drains heat from Fire as its child and thereby removing
heat in the 1..1.
3D17 Located in the area, it relieves swelling and pain in the affected region. St6 Located in the area, it
relieves swelling and pain in the affected region.
19. PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia (Shwasanka Iwara) is usually caused by fever due to disturbance of Vata, causing inflammation in
lung (a Vata organ).
Fever/Headaches
GB20, LI4, K7, H9
Cough/Chest pain
L5, L9.
Point Indication
Others
UB13 Lung rear organ point. Treatment of lung syndromes, espeCially with fevers.
LIll Sea point (Earth). Child of Fire, removing heat in 1..1.
P6 Stops suffocating sensations in chest.
3D6 River point. Used in chest disorders (Kapha area).
20. TONSILLITIS
Tonsillitis (Tundikeri) or inflammation of the tonsils is usually caused by vitiation of Pitta, affecting the lung.
Point Indication
L10 Spring point. Reduces Fire in lung.
K3 Stream point (Earth). Reduces Fire by acting as its child. The Kidney channel runs along the throat
area and thereby affecting it.
LI4 Source (base) point. Indicated for sore throat, by balancing LI and Lung channels (Vata).
L11 Indicated for sore throat, fever in lung and respiratory system.
APPENDIX C-RESOURCES
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AYURVEDA
Interest around the world has created several Ayurvedic Associations
worldwide. These have now been formally united with the formation of the
International Federation of Ayurveda (LEA.). This officially took place at the
2nd International Ayurvedic Conference in Pune, held in January 1993.
The current Head Office of the Federation is in Adelaide, Australia. For details
about your local association or the Federation, please contact the International
President of the LEA.:
Dr. Krishna Kumar,
International Federation of Ayurveda,
27 Blight Street,
Ridleyton S.A. 5008
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: (08) 346 0631
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

The Australian Institute has since 1970 continued promoting Ayurveda in
Australia via teaching of this most excellent art and science (Ayurveda and
Ayurvedic Acupuncture).
Certificate, Diploma and Degree courses are available at the Institute for those
who wish to qualify as ayurvedic physicians or who instead be interested in
Ayurveda as a means of self healing. An integral part of the course is graduation
in Ayurvedic Acupuncture.
Currently, the Institute is the only teaching establishment in Australia where
the traditional Ayurvedic Acupuncture system can be studied.
For further information contact:
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
19 Bowey Avenue
Enfield S.A. 5085
Australia
Telephone: (08) 349 7303
187
To study Ayurvedic medicine: Lessons and Lectures in Ayurveda

by Dr. Robert Svoboda
Ayurvedic Holistic Center
82A Bayville Ave.
P.o. Box 23445
Albuquerque, N.M. 87192-1445
Bayville. N.Y 11709 (505) 291-9698
Ayurvedic Living Workshops
P.o.. Box 188 To receive Pancha Karma:
Exeter, Devon EX4 5AB
The Ayurveda Center of Santa Fe
ENGLAND
1807 Second St. Suite 20
The Ayurveda Center of Santa Fe Santa Fe, N.M. 87505
1807 Second St. Suite 20 (505) 983-8898
Santa Fe, N.M. 87505
Diamond Way Health Associates
(505) 983-8898
214 Girard Blvd. N.E.
Lotus Ayurvedic Center Albuquerque, N.M. 87106
4145 Clares Street Suite D (505) 265-4826
Capitola, CA 95010
Lotus Ayurvedic Center
(408) 479-1667
4145 Clares Street Suite D
Maharishi Health Center Capitola, CA 95010
Hale Clinic (408) 479-1667
7 Park Crescent
Maharishi Health Center
London, W14 3H3 Hale Clinic
ENGLAND
7 Park Crescent
Natural Therapeutics Center London, W14 3H3
'Surya Daya' ENGLAND
Gisingham, Nr. lye
Dr. Lobsang Rapgay
Suffolk, ENGLAND
2931 Tilden Ave.
Victoria Stern N.D. Los Angeles, CA 90064
P.o. Box 1814 (310) 477-3877
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Victoria Stern N.D.
(714) 494-8858
P.o.. Box 1814
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Correspondence Courses
(714) 494-8858
American Institute of Vedic Studies
Attn. David Frawley Sources for Ayurvedic Books, Products,
P.o. Box 8357 Herbs, Essential Oils and Supplements:
Auroma International, Inc.
(505) 983-9385
P.o.. Box 1008-AA
Institute for Holistic Education Silver Lake, WI 53170
33719 116th Street AA (414) 889-8569
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin 53181 (incense and essential oils)
(414) 877-9396
Appendix C 189
Ayush Herbs, Inc. Lotus Herbs

10025 N.E. 4th St. 1505 42nd Ave., Suite 19
Bellevue, WA 98004 Capitola, CA 95010
(800) 925-1371 (408) 479-1667
Bazaar of India Imports, Inc. Lotus Light Natural Body Care
1810 University Ave. (wholesale)
Berkeley, CA 94703 P.O. Box 1008, Dept. AA
(510) 548-4110 Silver Lake, WI 53170
(414) 889-8501; fax (414) 889-8591
Bioveda (complete selection of over 7,000 items)
P.O. Box 420
Conger, N.Y 10920 Wishing Well Video
P.O. Box 1008-AA
Herbal Vedic Products
P.o. Box 6054-AA Silver Lake, WI 53170
(414) 889-8501
(Wide range of videos on alternative
(herbal body care and supplements)
health and healing)
Lotus Fulfillment Service (retail)
33719 116th St., Dept. AA
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
(414) 889-8501
(complete range of items)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Birnbaum) Raoul. THE HEALING BUDDHA. Rider and Co.) London
1980.
Callinan) Paul. WHOLISTIC BODY SIGNATURES. Australian Well-
being Magazine) Vol 31.
Charaka. (Sharma R.k.) and Dash B.). CHARAKA SAMHITTA.
Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series) Varanasi) India.
Dash) Bhagwan. AYURVEDA FOR MOTHER AND CHILD. Delhi
Diary Publishers) New Delhi 1988.
Dash) Bhagwan and Manfred Junius. A HANDBOOK OF AYURVEDA.
Concept Publishing Co.) New Delhi.
Donden) Yeshi. HEALTH THROUGH BALANCE. Snowlion Publishers.
ESSENTIALS OF CHINESE ACUPUNaURE. Foreign Language Press)
Beijing.
Feuerstein) Georg. TEXTBOOK OF YOGA. Rider and Co.) London
1975.
Frawley) David. AYURVEDIC HEALING. Passage Press) Utah.
Frederic) Louis. DlalONARY OF THE MARTIAL AKfS. Allen and Un-
win Publishers.
Heyn) Birgit. AYURVEDIC MEDICINE. Thorsons Publishers.
Huard) P. and Wong, M. CHINESE MEDICINE. World University
Library) London 1968.
Iyengar) B.K.S. LIGHT ON PRANAYAMA. Unwin Paperbacks) London.
Kulkarni) P.H. PROBABLE LINKS BETWEEN AYURVEDA AND
ACUPUNaURE. Institute of Indian Medicine) Pune) India.
Lad) Vasant. AYURVEDA-THE SCIENCE OF SELF-HEALING. Lotus
Press) Twin Lakes) Wisconsin.
Lad) Vasant and David Frawley. THE YOGA OF HERBS. Lotus Press)
Twin Lakes) Wisconsin.
190
Bibliography 191
Reid) H. and Michael Croucher. THE WAy OF THE WARRIOR. Cen-

tury Publishing.
Sharma) R.K. and Bhagwan Dash. CHARAKA SAMHITTA.
Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series. Varanasi) India 1985.
Svoboda) Robert. PRAKRUTI- YOUR AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION.
Ceocom Publishing, New Mexico. Distributed by: Lotus Press)
Twin Lakes) Wisconsin.
Thatte) D.C. ACUPUNCTURE MARMA AND OTHER ASIAN
THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES. Chaukhambha Orientalia)
Varanasi) India 1988.
Thorwald) Jurgen. SCIENCE AND SECRETS OF EARLy MEDICINE.
Thames and Hudson) London.
Veltheim) John E. ACUPUNCTURE. Hill of Content Publishers)
Australia 1985.
Wexu) Mario. MODERN GUIDE 70 EAR ACUPUNCTURE. Aurora
Press) New Mexico.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACUPUNCTURE The system of needling pressure points for therapy
ADANKAL Pressure points and their therapies
AGNI Digestive/metabolic biological fire
AGNlKARMA Heat therapy. Moxibustion
AJNACHAKRA Pranic flywheel between eyebrows
AKASHA Ether, space, matter, one of the Five Elements.
ALAMBA CHAKRA The Wheel of Suppon of the Five Elements
ALOCHAKA PITTA Pitta in eyes dealing with vision
AMA Undigested substances which develop into toxins
ANAHATA CHAKRA Pranic flywheel in heat area
ANTARNADIS The channels relating to the solid organs
APANAVAYU Prana governing downward actions in the body
ASTHI Bone. One of the seven tissues
AVALAMBAKA KAPHA In lung and hean, giving correct lubrication in the chest.
AYURVEDA The Science of Life. Indian traditional medicine
BAHU Arm
BAHYANADIS The channels relating to the hollow organs
BHEDANA KARMA Piercing through Therapy. Ayurvedic Acupuncture
BHUTAAGNI The 5 biolOgical fires in the liver
BODHAKA KAPHA in mouth dealing with taste
BHRAJAKA PITTA in skin, maintaining complexion
BUDDHISM Indian religiOUS philosophy
CHAKRAS Energy wheels, also cycles
CHARAKA Ancient Ayurvedic physician
DHATUS Tissues. The 7 tissues
DHATU CHAKRA Wheel of the Tissues-their cycle
DARSHANA Observation, a pan of diagnosis
DOSHA Ayurvedic 3 humors or biological forces
ETHER Space, matter, the grid of creation
GUNA Attribute, characteristic
GUNA DVANDVA The Two OppOSites forces
IDA A pranic channel dealing with Kapha
JALA The element of Water
JIHVA Tongue diagnosis
KALARI Ancient indian manial an
KAPHA BiolOgical humor related to Water and Eanh, phlegm (waste product)
KARNA Ear diagnOSiS
KASH To radiate. Pan of the word Akasha
192
Glossary 193
KLEDAKA KAPHA In stomach dealing with first stage of digestion

KOSTHANGAS The major organs in the body
MAMSA Muscle, one of the seven tissues
MANIPURA CHAKRA Pranic flywheel in navel
MARMA Vital pressure point
MARMAADI Martial art system of striking pressure points
MARMA CHIKITSA Treatment or therapies of the Marrnas or pressure points
MEDA Fat. One of the seven tissues
MAlJA Nerve tissue or marrow
MULADHARA CHAKRA Pranic flywheel at base of spine
MULAMARMAS Base vital points, where Prana is retained in channel
MOXIBUSTION Same as agru-karma (heat therapy)
NADI An energy (Prana) channel
NADI PARIKSHA Pulse diagnOSiS
NEEDLING Acupuncture
NIRAMA Without Ama or toxins
NIRMANA CHAKRA Wheel Of Creation of the Five Elements
PACHAKA PITTA In S.1. which supports the other four Pittas
PADA Foot or leg
PANCHA BHAUTIKA The Five Element points
PANCHA KARMA The five types of detox therapies
PANCHA MAHABHUTAS The Five Elements
PANCHA SRU MARMAS The Five Element Points in the channels
PINGALA Pranic channel relating to Pitta
PITARIBALA Parent/child concept of the 5 Elements
PITTA BiolOgical metabolic humor, bile
PRAKOPA Aggravation of humor
PRAKRUTI Constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
PRANA BiolOgical energy
PRANAYAMA Ayurvedic and Yogic breathing system
PRANIC MANDALA Ayurvedic Bio-rhythm Clock
PRASHAMA Alleviation of humor
PRASHNA Ouestioning (in diagnosis)
PRlTHVI The Earth element
RAKTA Blood
RANJAKA PITTA Pitta which colors secretions
RASA Plasma
SADHAKA PITTA Pitta which controls intellect
SAHASRA CHAKRA Pranic flywheel on top of head (crown)
SAMA Possessing Ama or toxins
SAMANAVAYU Prana governing digestion
SAMCHAYA Accumulation of humor
SETUMARMAS Bridge vital points connecting hollow and solid organ channels
SHASTRA Textbook
SHUKRA Semen, reproductive fluid

SLESHAKA KAPHA Kapha in synovial fluid
SPARSHANA Palpation (in diagnosis)
SROTAS Channels carrying gross material (e.g. blood)
SUCHI Acupuncture needle
SUCHIVEDA Science of Acupuncture, textbook
SUSHUMNA Pranic channel in center of spine
SURYA Sun, an ear point treating migraines
SUSHRUTA Ancient Ayurvedic surgeon
SVADISTHANA CHAKRA Pranic flywheel above sex organs
TAKSHASHILA Ancient Ayurvedic university
TARPAKA KAPHA Kapha in brain and heart
TEJA The element Fire
TRIDOSHA The three humors, the Tridosha nadi or channel, the three areas of the trunk
UDANAVATA Prana governing energy, speech, memoty
VATA The catabolic humor, related to Wind
VAYU Wind, carrier of Prana
VEDAS Ancient Indian sacred scriptures
VINASHA CHAKRA Wheel of Destruction of the elements
VINAYA CHAKRA Wheel of Control of the elements
VISSUDHI CHAKRA Pranic flywheel in throat area
VYANAVAYU Prana governing movement of muscles and joints and the circulation.
INDEX
AA swelling. 55, 170, 173
Abdomen, noises in, 29 Anorexia, 169, 178
Abdominal: Antibiotics, 73, 95, 96
distention, 29, 82, 88, 168, 169, 171, Anti-oxidants, 86
173, 175, 177, 178, 179, 180 Anxiety, 17, 143
masses, 173 Aphasia, 163, 164
noises, 164, 168, 171, 173, 174, 175, Apoplexy, 171
177, 178, 179 Appendicitis, 168, 178
pain, 88, 164, 165, 168, 169, 171, 174, Appetite, loss of, 29, 88, 157
175, 177, 178, 179, 180 Arm:
spasms, 88 coldness, 164
Accumulation (disease stage): contracture, 163, 164, 167
and humors, 87-88 major pOints, 162-167
and prana, 90 motor impairment of, 162, 164, 165,
Acid regurgitation, 170 167, 171
Acidity (see hyperacidity) numbness, 164, 165, 167, 174
Acute diseases, 94-95, 104 pain, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 173
Acupuncture: spasms, 173
analgesia, 93, 121 tremors, 163
laser, 121 weakness,167
needle, 116-120 Armpit (see axilla)
needle technique, 115, 118, 119-121 Arterial hardening. 184
of chakras, 41 Arthritis, 84, 124
of tongue, 112 in ankle, 171
Agastya,lO in arm, 165, 167
Aggravation (disease stage): in knee, 171
and ether, 90 in jaw, 170
and humors, 88 in leg. 177
Agni (see digestive fire) pitta type, 123
Agnikarma (see moxibustion) rheumatoid, 173
AIDS, 96 Asthma, treatment of, 114, 162, 165, 167,
Air (see wind) 168, 169, 170, 171, 174, 175, 176, 178,
Ajna chakra, 40 179, 180, 181
Akasha (see et her) Attributes, 28, 74-77
Alcohol, 25 of elements, 76-77
Allergies, 115, 181 AXillaty (armpit):
Allopathy, xi pain, 163, 164, 171
Ama (see toxins) swelling. 163, 170, 171
Amenorrhea, 164, 169 Ayurveda, history of, xi
Anabolism, 17
Anahata chakra, 40 BB
Andankal (see marmas) Back
Anemia, 41, 181 pain, 162, 164, 165, 166, 167, 172, 173,
Anesthetic, 93 174, 176
Anger, 29, 45, 87, 88 lower, 29, 88, 168, 171, 174, 175, 177,
Angina, 124, 163, 164 179, 184
Ankle: scapular, 167, 176
pain, 170, 173 paralysis, 171
redness, 173 stiffness, 174, 175
195
swelling, 175 Cardiac pain (see heart)

Bed wetting (see enuresis) Catabolism, 16
Belching, 94, 155, 157, 174 Cataract, 176
Beri-beri, 168, 171, 173 Cerebro-spinal flUid, 155
Bhutas (see elements) Chakras (see also indiVidual names), 9, 37-41
Bibliography, 190-191 ilIus., 38,39
Bile, 19, 25, 70, 73, 83, 158 Channels (see also individual names), xiii,
loss of, 30 6,7-8,31-41
Bio-rhythms, 42-68 and organs, 8, 19
and disease process, 92-93 front of body, illus. 136, 138
and treatment, 152-153 ilIus., 33, 39, 124, 125, 127, 129, 131,
ilIus.,46 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139
of organs, 43-47 in arm, 35-36,123-128,162-167
Birth, 51, 123, 158, 179 in leg, 36, 128-134
difficult labor, 164, 172, 178 inSide-outside, 36-37
Bitter taste, 29, 88, 171, 175 on head, illus. 137
Bladder, urinary, 19, 23, 24, 67, 73 rear of body, illus. 135, 139
bio-rhythms, 44, 48, 60 srotas (gross channels), 31
channel, 35, 36, 123, 132, 173-176 Charaka, 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 35, 42, 43, 44, 45,
ilIus. 124, 134, 135, 137 49,64,77, 142, 160
cystitis, 174 Chest:
inflammation, 173 fullness in, 162, 171, 177, 178, 180
pulse, 108 pain in, 162, 163, 168, 169, 170, 171,
Bleeding, excess, 182 174, 175, 177, 178, 180, 186
Bloating, 88 Chi, 9
Blood, 19,20,64,66,70,71,92 Chicken pox, 94
coughing up, 162, 174, 175, 176, 179 Childhood diseases, 94-95
heat in, 183 Chinese medicine, xi, 26-27
formation of, 183 Chronic diseases, xi, 90, 95
vessels, 73 Chronic degenerative diseases, 96-97
Blood pressure (see hyper- and hypotension) Circulatory system, 29, 92, 157, 182
Body temperature, 157 Cirrhosis, 25
Bones, 19,53,64,67, 71, 73 COitus, 15, 16
Borborygmus (see abdomen, noises in) Cold, common, 87, 95, 172, 176, 182
Brain, 155 Coldness, 28, 29, 83, 168
Breast: Color blindness, 176
examination, 101 Conception, 16
massage, 100-101 Conception channel, 123
mastitis, 168, 169, 178, 180 ilIus. 136, 137
pain, 170, 171 Congestion, 17, 21, 23, 29, 53, 80, 94
Breathing, 87, 155, 157 intestinal, 183
labored, 88 Conjunctivitis, 29, 88, 170
shallow, 181 Constipation, 29, 88, 164, 166, 168, 169,
Bridge points, 153-164 171, 173, 174, 175, 177, 178, 179
Bronchitis, 176 Contracture of:
Buddha, 3 arm, 163, 164, 167
Buddhism, xii, xviii, xix, 27 elbow, 163, 164, 167
Burning feeling, 87 fingers, 163, 167
in abdomen, 88 Convulsions (see also epilepsy), 88, 163,
164, 173, 176, 177, 184
CC in infants, 176, 179
Cancer, 96 Costal (rib) pain, 170, 171, 177
Candida, 73 Cotdeath, 94
Index 197
Cough, 88, 157 attributes, 75-77

dry, 29, 88, 181 left-right, 77-79
productive, 29 male-female, 79-80
treatment, 162, 163, 165, 168, 169, pitta-kapha, 80-81
174, 175, 176, 178, 180, 182, 186 sun-moon, 75
Cosmos, creation of, 14 Dysentery, 164, 165, 168, 169, 174, 175,
Cramp: 177, 178, 183
in calf, 171 Dysuria, 163
in foot, 174
Creation (see also Wheelot), 14-16 EE
Crown chakra, 40 Ear
Cystitis, 174 diagnosis, 112-115
illus.,113
DD discharge from, 166, 167, 170
Dash, Dr. Bhagwan, 9,14 redness, 166
Deafness, 164, 165, 166, 167, 170, 172, swelling. 166
175, 179 Earache, 166, 172
Dehydration, 55 Ears, ringing of (see tinnitus)
Depression, 96, 168, 172 Earth, 14,20-21
Dhatus (see Wheel of the Tissues) and disease process, 91
Diabetes, 66, 176 and tissues, 66-67
Diagnosis, 99-115 chakra,41
ear, 112-115 deficiency, 29, 63
pulse, 101-108 excess, 29, 61
tongue, 108-112 treatment of, 158
types of, 100 Earth -ether, 55
Diaphragm, 71 Eczema, 178
Diarrhea, 29, 88, 94, 97 Edema, 20, 29, 55, 80, 164, 169
treatment of, 165, 168, 169, 171, 174, Einstein, Albert, 13
175, 177, 178, 179, 180, 183 Elbow:
Diet, 85, 86, 87 coldness, 164
Digestion, 70, 72, 73, 82, 157 contracture, 163, 164, 167
Digestive motor impairment of, 162
disorders, 30, 53, 88, 91, 157, 168, 174, numbness, 165, 174
175, 177, 180 pain in, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167
fire, 28, 55, 73, 82, 85 Elements, 13-30
Disease: and creation, 14-16
causes, 32 and marmas, 145-150
childhood, 94-95 and pulse diagnosis, 104-5, 106
degenerative, 96-97 and weather, 86
pathways, 91-92 attributes of, 76-77
process, 53-56, 81-98 imbalances of, 28-30, 62
stages, 87-91, 150-151 treatment of, 155-159
types of, 93-98 Emotions, 87
Displacement (disease stage): Endometriosis, 175
and fire, 90 Enema, 84
and humors, 88-89 Enteritis, 175
Dizziness, 88, 164, 166, 168, 170, 171, Enuresis, 163
173, 176, 179, 181 EnVironment, 85, 86
Donden, Dr. Yeshi, 4 Epidemics, 97
Dream disturbed sleep, 168, 170, 177 Epigastric pain, 173, 174, 175
Dryness, 23, 25, 55, 83, 88 Epilepsy (see also convulsions), 163, 166, 167,
Duality, 26, 74-81 168, 172, 173, 175, 176, 179
in children, 173 and tissues, 66

Erysipelas, 183 chakra, 40-41
Ether, 14, 22, 24-25 deficiency, 28, 63
and disease process, 90 excess, 28, 61
and tissues, 67 liver, 25, 70
chakra,40 treatment of, 157
deficiency, 30, 63 Fire-water, 55
excess, 29, 63 Five element pOints, 145-146
Ether-wind, 55 Flooding (disease stage):
Expectoration, 165 and humors, 88
Eye (see also vision), 157 and Wind, 90
congestion, 167 Flow pOints, 145-146
disease, 165, 167, 176 illus. 147
pain, 164, 166, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176 Flowering (disease stage):
redness, 165, 170, 172, 175, 176 and earth, 91
swelling, 176 and humors, 89-90
Eyelid twitch, 166, 167, 170, 172, 176 Fluid retention (see edema)
Foot:
FF coldness, 168
Facial: cramps, 174
flushing, 170 heat in, 173, 179
itching, 165 motor impairment, 168
pain, 165, 170 pain, 168, 170
paralysis, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 paralysis, 179
swelling, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, redness, 170
172 swelling, 168, 170
Fantasies, 155 weakness, 171, 179
Fat, 21, 64, 66, 71 Frawley, Dr. DaVid, xi, 12, 20
Fatigue, 29, 43, 88 Fruits, dry, 84
Fear, 29, 88, 183 Fungal infections, 163
Febrile diseases (see fever) Furuncle, 163
Feces, 158
loose, 169, 178 GG
mucus in, 88 Gallbladder, 19,25,67, 73, 185
yellow, 88 bio-rhythms, 45, 48, 60
Female, 15, 79-80, 105 chakras,40
Feuerstein, Georg, 56 channel, 35, 36, 123, 130, 132,
Fever, 28, 87, 94, 95 170-172
high,55,88 illus. 124, 133, 135, 136, 137
intermittent, 88 ear diagnosis of, 114
kapha,43 pulse, 108
low, 29, 88 Gandhi, Mahatma, xix
pitta, 43 Gas, 22, 82
treatment of, 149, 162, 163, 164, 165, Gastric (see stomach)
167, 168, 170, 172, 175, 177, 182, 186 Gastro-intestinal tract, 108
vata, 42, 176 Gems, 41
Finger: Genital:
contracture, 163, 167 pain, 169, 177, 178, 179
motor impairment of, 165 swelling, 169
numbness, 164, 167 Germs, 73
pain, 165, 167 Glands, swollen, 29, 88
Fire, 14, 19-20 Glaucoma, 176
and disease process, 90 Globus hystericum, 178
Index 199
and earth, 91 motor impairment, 167

and humors, 89-90 numbness, 164
Fluid retention (see tdetlUl) pain, 164, 165, 166
Foot: swelling, 164
coldness, 168 tremors, 163, 164, 165
cramps, 174 Head:
heat in, 173, 179 heaviness in, 166, 173
motor impairment, 168 motor impairment of, 164, 165
pain, 168, 170 numbness, 167
paralysis, 179 Headache:
redness, 170 frontal, 172, 176
swelling, 168, 170 migraines, 114
weakness, 171, 179 OCcipital, 88
Frawley, Dr_ DaVid, xi, 12, 20 one Sided, 170, 171, 172
Fruits, dry, 84 temporal, 88, 114, 172
Fungal infections, 163 top of head (vertex), 179
Furuncle, 163 treatment, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168,
170, 172, 17~ 176, 182, 184, 186
GG Healing crisis, 97
Gallbladder, 19,25,67, 73, 185 Heart, 20, 69-70
bio-rhythms, 45, 48, 60 attacks, 15, 20, 123
chakras,40 bio-rhythms, 44, 47, 60
channel, 35, 36, 123, 130, 132, chakra,40
170-172 channel, 34, 35,123-126, 163-164
illus_ 124, 133, 135, 136, 137 illus. 124, 125, 135
ear diagnOSiS of, 114 disorders, 55, 176
pulse, 108 ear diagnosis of, 114
Gandhi, Mahatma, xix pain, 163, 164, 175, 176
Gas, 22, 82 pulse, 107, 108
Gastric (see stomach) tongue diagnosis of, 111
Gastro-intestinal tract, 108 treatment of, 126
Gems, 41 Heartburn, 82
Genital: Heat stroke, 163
pain, 169, 177, 178, 179 HeaViness, 17, 21, 29, 88
swelling, 169 in head, 88
Germs, 73 in limbs, 29
Glands, swollen, 29, 88 Heel pain, 173
Glaucoma, 176 Hemiplegia, 168, 171
Globus hystericum, 178 HemorrhOids, 115, 173, 174, 175, 184
Glossary of Terms, 192-194 Hepatitis, 175, 177
GOiter, 165, 166 Herbs, xi
Gold needle, 120 and acupuncture, 117
Governor channel, 123 bitter, 183
illus_ 135, 137 for digestion, 85
Growth, 20 pungent, 183
Gum swelling, 172 Hernia, 169, 171, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178,
Gunas (see attributes) 179
navel, 178
HH HiCCUp, 171, 175, 177, 184
Hair, 19,70,72 Hidrosis (see perspiration, e.xassive)
Han, Dr. Kim Bong, 31 High blood pressure (see hypertension)
Halitosis, 163 Hip:
Hand: motor impairment, 174
pain, 171, 175 motor impairment, 170

Hives (see urtIcaria) pain, 170
Hoarseness, 164, 165, 166 swelling. 164, 167, 172
Homeostasis, 50 Joints:
Hormonal system, 17, 182 dryness of, 84
Huard, E, 26 inflamed, 28
Human creation, 15-16 loose, 17, 23, 55, 158
Humors, 4 lubrication of, 157, 158
aggravation of, 85-87 pain in, 29, 84, 88, 149
and chakras, 41 stiffness, 29, 88
and disease process, 55, 81-87 swollen, 29, 88
and marmas, 146-148
and their channels, 122 KK
and their elements, 16-17 Kalari (see also martial arts), xxiii, 9-11
and their organs, 47-49, 83 Kapha (see also humors), 17-19
ear diagnosis of, 114-115 accumulation of, 88
sites of, 18 aggravation, 88
tongue diagnosis of, 108, 110 and digestion, 82
Hyperacidity, 20, 28, 43, 80, 87, 88, 157 bio-rhythms, 43, 44, 45, 48-49
Hypertension, 28, 55, 165, 171, 176, 184 chakras,41
Hypochondriac pain, 164, 165, 167, 170, channels, 35, 36
171, 174, 175, 177, 178 disease pathway, 91
Hypotension, 181, 185 disorders, 53, 83
Hysterectomy, 6 ear diagnosis of, 114
Hysteria, 163, 164, 167, 184 elements, 23, 29
five forms of, 156
II flooding of, 88
I Ching. xii flow, 71
Ida, 9, 37, 77, 81 life stage, 53
Immune system, 93, 94, 95, 97, 115, 181, marmas, 148
182 pulse, 103, 104
Immunization (see also VaCCInatiOn), 94 tongue diagnosis of, 110
Impotence, 173, 174, 175, 179, 184-185 Ki,9
Incontinence (see also urination), 178 Kidneys, 23, 24, 67, 71, 183
Inflammation, 17, 20, 28, 88, 94 bio-rhythms, 44, 48, 60
treatment of, 114 chakras,41
Inguinal: channel, 34, 35, 36, 130, 178-180
pain, 178 illus. 129, 135, 136
swelling. 178 ear diagnosis of, 114
Insomnia, 29, 42, 43, 88, 163, 172, 173, inflammation of, 173
176, 178, 179 nephritis, 175
Intelligence, 40, 155 prana in, 185
Intestinal flora, 72 pulse, 107, 108
Iron, 181 tongue diagnosis of, 111
Irritability, 28, 88, 163, 165, 169, 175 Knee:
Itching. 163, 171 coldness, 168
facial, 165 contracture, 171, 174
in vulva, 177, 179 motor impairment, 168
Iyengar, B.K.S_, 8, 9, 50 numbness, 168
pain, 168, 171, 177, 179
JJ swelling. 171
Jaundice, 167, 171, 174, 175, 176, 178, 185 weakness, 175
Jaw: Kulkarni, Dr. EH., 3, 7, 31
Index 201
LL bio-rhythms, 44, 47, 60

Labor (see binh) chakras,40
Lactation, 167, 169, 178 channel, 34, 35, 126, 162
Lad, Dr. Vasant, xv, 12, 32, 45 illus. 125, 135, 136
Large intestine, 19, 22, 23, 67, 83 ear diagnosis of, 114
bio·rhythms, 44, 47, 60 pulse, 107, 108
chakras,40 referred pain, 100
channel, 34, 35, 128, 164 tongue diagnosis of, 111
illus. 127, 135, 137 Lymphatic system, 92, 100
congestion, 183
disorders, 91 MM
ear diagnosis of, 114 Malaria, 163, 165, 167, 170, 171, 185-186
heat in, 183 Male, 15, 79-80, 105
pulse, 108 Manifestation (disease):
tongue diagnosis of, 111 and humors, 89
Lee, Bruce, 7 and water, 90
Left Side, 77·79 Manipura chakra, 40
Leg: Marma Adi (see Kalari)
coldness, 168 Marmas (vital points), xiii, 2, 4-7
motor impairment, 168, 169, 170, 171, and organs, 143
173, 174, 178 and prana, 141
movement, 158 lethal, 6-7, 142
muscle atrophy, 169, 173, 174, 178, 179 vata, 146
numbness, 169, 171, 173, 174 Marrow, 64, 67, 71, 73
pain, 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 174, 177, Martial arts, xiv, xviii, 9, 160
178, 179, 184 Massage, xiv, 84, 85, 87
paralysis, 168, 173, 178 MastitiS, 168, 169, 170, 178, 180
swelling. 179 Measles, 94, 165
weakness, 173 Meditate, 87
Lethargy, 29 Melon, 84
Leukorrhea, 171, 174, 175, 178, 179, 185 Memory, 155, 163, 174
Life stages, 53 Menstruation, 81, 158
Lifestyle, 85, 86 amenorrhea, 164, 169, 176, 178, 182
Liver, 21, 67, 70, 79, 182, 185 dysmenorrhea, 178, 179, 182-183
bio·rhythms, 45, 48, 60 irregular, 169, 171, 174, 175, 177, 178,
chakras, 40, 41 179
channel, 34, 35, 36, 128·130, 176·177 menorrhagia, 176, 182
illus. 129, 135, 136 Mental activity, 69, 155
Cirrhosis, 25 Mental disorders, 80
disorders, 29 treatment for, 126, 143, 149, 162, 163,
ear diagnosis of, 114 167, 168, 169, 173, 175, 176, 177, 179
fire, 25, 70 Meridians (see channels)
inflammation of, 185 Metabolism, 17, 56
pulse, 107, 108 Microwave energy, 86
referred pain, 100 Migraine (see headache)
tongue diagnosis of, 111 Mind,40
Lockjaw (see trismus) Moon, 75, 79-80
Longevity, 115 Motor impairment of:
Loud nOises, 86 arm, 162, 164, 165, 167
Lubrication, 157, 158 elbow, 162
Lumbago, 173, 174, 175 fingers, 165
Lunar energy (see moon) foot, 168
Lungs, 21, 23, 67, 70, 80 hand, 167
head, 164, 165 OppOSites (see duality)

jaw, 170 Organs, 8, 69·74
knee, 168 and marmas, 143
leg. 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 178 and wheels, 58
Mouth deviation, 165, 168, 170, 176 bio-rhythms of, 43-47
Moxibustion, 5, 41,117 channels, 27, 32, 123
Muladhara chakra, 41 illus.,33
Mumps, 94, 170, 186 hollow, 32, 34, 35, 36, 48-9, 72-74,
Muscle, 19, 66, 70, 71 84, 91, 107, 123, 126, 128, 130, 146
atrophy, 168, 169, 170, 171, 174, 178, solid, 32-34, 35, 36, 48-9, 69-71, 105,
179 123, 128, 146
growth, 21 tongue diagnOSiS of, 111
lubrication of, 157 Orgasm, 16
spasms, 29 Osteoporosis, 53
weakness, 29 Oxygen, 66, 70
Musk oil, 84
Myopia, 170, 171 pp
Pain, 94, 173
NN abdominal, 88, 164, 165, 168, 169,
Nadis (see channels) 171, 174, 175, 177, 178, 179, 180
Nasal obstruction, 165, 172, 173, 176, 182 ankle, 170, 173
Nausea, 29, 82, 88, 175 arm, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 173
Neck: axillary, 163, 164, 171
pain, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176 back, 162, 164, 165, 166, 167, 172,
rigidity, 162, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 176
173,176 lower, 29, 88, 168, 171, 174, 175, 177,
swelling. 167 179,184
Negative energy, 15, 75, 77, 79 scapular, 167, 176
Nephritis, 175 breast, 170, 171
Nervous disorders, 15, 17, 43, 55, 80 chest, 162, 163, 168, 169, 170, 171,
treatment of, 114, 143, 184 174, 175, 177, 178, 180, 186
Nervous system, 23, 64, 93 costal (rib), 170, 171, 177
Night blindness, 170, 171, 175, 176 elbow, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167
Night sweating. 164, 167, 174, 175, 176, epigastric, 173, 174, 175
179 eye, 164, 166, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176
Nipple, 169 facial, 165, 170
Nixon, Pres. Richard, 1 finger, 165, 167
Nosebleed, 162, 163, 164, 165, 168, 170, foot, 168, 170
172, 173, 175, 176 genital, 169, 177, 178, 179
Numbness of: hand, 16~ 165, 166
arm, 164, 165, 167, 174 heart (cardiac), 163, 164, 175, 176
elbow, 165, 174 heel, 173
fingers, 164, 167 hip, 171, 175
hand, 164 hypochondriac, 164, 165, 167, 170,
head, 167 171, 174, 175, 177, 178
knee, 167 inguinal, 178
leg. 169, 171, 173, 174 jaw, 170
jOint, 29, 84, 88, 149
00 knee, 168, 171, 177, 179
ObeSity, 17, 61 leg. 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 174, 177,
Oils, 41, 76 178, 179, 184
Ojas, 97, 115 menstrual, 182
Ojha, Dr. S. 0., 2 neck, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176
Index 203
referred, 100, 123, 124 organs, 25

reproductive area, 183 pulse, 101, 102, 104
shoulder, 100, 162, 164, 165, 166, 167, tongue diagnosis of, 110
168, 171, 172, 173, 174, 176 treatment of, 126
side, 164 Pitta-Kapha duality, 80-81
stomach (gastric), 163, 165, 168, 169, Plasma, 64, 66, 158
177 Pneumonia, 186
testicles, 179 Poehlmann, Dr. Horst, 93
tongue, 177 POints, vital (see marmas)
treatment of, 114, 121 Poisons (see toxins)
urethra, 176 Pollution, 86
wrist, 162, 164, 165, 167 Positive energy, 15, 75, 77, 79
Palm, hot, 163 Potassium chloride, 110
Palpations, 99, 100, 162, 163, 164, 175, Prana, 8-9
176 and acupuncture, 119
Pancha Karma, 84 and chakras, 37, 40
Pancreas, 21, 66 and channels, 8, 31, 32, 37, 122
channel, 34 and digestion, 72
Panic, 63, 175 and disease process, 90
Paralysis: and elements, 13-14, 15,22,23
back,171 and marmas, 6,141
facial, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 171 and organs, 69, 70, 73
foot, 179 and tissues, 64, 66
hemiplegia, 168, 171 in kidneys, 185
in children, 171, 175 loss of, 29, 86
leg. 168, 173, 178 Pregnancy, 123
Parent-child, 151-152 Pruritus (see itching)
Perception, 40 Pulse diagnosis, 21, 27-28, 101-108
Pericardium, 71 illus., 102, 106
bio-rhythms, 45, 48 of organs, 105
channel, 34, 36, 126, 163 rapid, 181
illus. 125, 135, 136 rate, 103-104
pulse, 107, 108 qualities, 103-4
Perspiration (see also s\reattng): Purgation, 84
excessive, 28, 164
Pharyngitis, 162, 164 RR
Phlegm, 19,21, 29, 80, 83, 181 Rashes (see skin)
Pingala (see surya) Rectal prolapse, 173
Pitta (see also humors), 17 Redness, 94
accumulation of, 87-88 Reproductive system, 64, 67, 71, 73, 81,
aggravation of, 88 123, 182, 183
and digestion, 82 Respiratory system, 21
bio-rhythms, 43, 44, 45, 48-49 disorders, 53, 149
chakras,41 Restlessness, 169
channels, 35, 36 Rheumatism, 174
disease pathway, 92 Rhinorrhea, 165, 172
disorders, 28, 53, 83 Rib (see costal)
ear diagnosis of, 114 Rice water, 183
fire, 19 Right Side, 77-79
five forms of, 156 Rigidity, 29, 61
flooding of, 88 River pOints, 150, 151
life stage, 53
marmas, 148
SS Sound, 24
Sahasra padma chakra, 40 Source pOints, 154
Salivation Spasms, 29
excessive, 29, 88 in abdomen, 88
imbalance, 170 Speech (see also aphasia), 157
Sauna, 84 Spinal column:
Scapula: tongue diagnosis of, 111
pain, 167 Spirituality, 40
stiffness, 167 Spleen, 21, 66, 70-71, 79, 182, 183
Scar, 6 bio-rhythms, 44, 47, 60
Sciatica, 123, 171, 173, 174, 175 chakras,41
Sclera, yellow, 163, 164, 167 channel, 34, 35, 36, 128
Scrofula (see tuberculosIs) illus. 129, 135, 136
Sea pOints, 150, 151 pulse, 107, 108
Seasons, 87 tongue diagnosis of, 111
Sedating, 119 Spring points, 150, 151
Semen, 15, 16 Sputum, excessive, 168
Seminal emission, 169, 173, 174, 175, 177, Srota,31
178,179 Sterility, 178
Sex, 158 Stiffness, 173
Sexual system, 41 Stomach, 19, 20, 66, 72, 83, 183
Shastras, 3, 11 bio-rhythms, 44, 47, 60
Shoulder: chakras,41
heaviness, 166 channel, 35, 36, 130, 168-179
pain, 100, 162, 164, 165, 166, 167, illus. 131, 135, 136, 137
168, 171, 172, 173, 174, 176 pulse, 108
spasm, 173 inflammation, 163, 170
stiffness, 174 pain, 163, 165, 168, 169, 177
weakness, 167 Stool (see feces)
Side pai, 164 Stream pOints, 150, 151, 154
Silver needle, 120 Strength, loss of, 88
Skin, 70, 72, 92, 97, 158 Stress, 73, 80, 85
dryness, 17, 29, 53, 76, 88 Stroke (see apoplexy)
inflammation, 88 Suchi Veda, 10, 112
paleness, 28, 29, 88, 181 Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (see
rashes (see also eczema and urticaria), 17, cotdeath)
20, 28, 43, 92, 158 Suffocation, feeling of, 163, 184, 186
Sleep (see also insomnia): Sun, 75, 77
dream disturbed, 168, 170, 177 Surgery, 6
excess, 29, 88 Ayurvedic, xx, 1
Small intestine, 19,20,66,72-73, 83 Surya, 9, 37, 77, 80
bio-rhythms, 44, 47, 60 Sushruta, xx, 6, 142
chakras,40 Sushumna, 37
channel, 34, 35, 126-128, 167 Svadisthana chakra, 41
illus. 127, 135, 137 Svoboda, Dr. Robert, 22, 24
disorders, 55, 91 Swallowing, 155
enteritis, 175 difficulties, 174, 175
pulse, 108 Sweating:
tongue diagnosis of, 111 night, 164, 167, 174, 175, 176, 179
Smoking, 55 spontaneous, 179
Sneezing, 94, 155 Swelling, 94, 173
Sodium phosphate, 110 ankles, 55, 170, 173
Soul, 14 axilla (armpit), 163, 170, 171
Index 205
back, 175 Tonifying 119

ears, 166 Tonsillitis, 162, 165, 186
eye, 176 Toothache, 164, 166, 167, 168, 170, 172,
face, 164, 166, 167, 170, 172 179
foot, 168, 170 TOXins, 28, 73, 82, 84, 85, 87, 94, 95, 108,
genital area, 169 110, 183
glands, 29, 88 Treatment, 152-153
gums, 172 of ether, 155
hand, 164 of Wind, 155-156
inguinal, 178 Tremors:
jaw, 164, 167, 172 arm, 163
jOints, 88 hand, 163, 164, 165
knee, 171 Tridosha (see also humors), 73-74
leg 179 bio-rhythms, 45, 48
neck,167 channel, 34, 36, 123, 128, 165-166
testicles, 179 illus. 124, 127, 135, 137
Synovial fluid, 158 pulse, 108
Trigeminal nerve, 166, 170
IT Trismus (lockjaw), 162, 166, 172
TaiChi, 87 Tse-tung Mao, 1
Taste, 157 Tuberculosis, 164, 165, 174, 175
bitter, 29, 171, 175
Television, 86 uu
Tendons, 70, 73 Ulcers, 43, 157, 176
Testicles: UnconSCiousness, 162, 163, 164, 167, 179,
pain in, 179 184
swelling of, 179 Urethra pain, 176
Tetanus (Sle trismus) Urination, 158
Thakkur, Dr. Chandrashekkar, xvii, 3,10 difficulties, 163, 174, 178, 179
Thilak, Moses, 10 excessive, 179
Third eye chakra, 40 involuntary (see enuresis)
Thirst, excessive, 28, 55, 88 retention, 169, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177,
Thorwald, Jurgen, 2 178
Throat (see also tonsillitis): Urine, 19,71, 158
lump in, 167 emission, 174, 176
sore, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, yellow, 28, 88
179, 186 Urticaria, 165, 178
Throat chakra, 40 Uterine:
Thyroid (Sle goiter) blood stagnation, 182
Tibetan medicine, xii, 4, 27 hemorrhage, 176, 177, 178, 179
Time of day (see also bio-rhythms) prolapse, 169, 171, 175, 176, 177, 178,
and disease process, 92-93 179
and treatment, 152-153
Tinnitus, 165, 166, 167, 170, 172, 175, 176 vv
Tissues (see Wheel of the Tissues) Vaccination, 7, 94
Tongue: Vata (Sle also humors), 16-17,80
coating 110, 181, 182, 185 accumulation, 88
color, 108, 110 aggravation of, 88
diagnOSiS, 108-112 and digestion, 82
dryness of, 179 bio-rhythms, 42, 44, 48-49
illus.,109 chakras, 40, 41
pain, 177 channels, 31-32, 35, 36
stiffness, 163, 164, 165, 177 disease pathway, 92
disorders, 53, 83-84 Water-earth, 55

ear diagnosis of, 114 Water metabolism, 70, 71
elements, 23, 24, 29, 30 Weather, 86
five forms of, 156 Well points, 150, 151
flooding of, 88 Wheel interactions, 61
life stage, 53 Wheel of Control, 50, 51, 56
marmas, 146 illus_,57
pulse, 102, 103 Wheel of Creation, 15-16,38,49-50,51,
tongue diagnosis of, 110 148,150
Vayu (see wind) Vedas, xii, 3 illus_, 38, 52
Vertigo (see dizziness) Wheel of Destruction, 50, 51, 53-56
Vision: and disease process, 91
blurring of, 164, 166, 167, 170, 172, illus.,54
173, 175, 176, 179 Wheel of Support, 50, 51, 56, 60, 66,
myopia, 170, 171 68, 115, 146, 150, 151, 152
progressive loss of, 172 illus.,59
Vissudhi chakra, 40 Wheel of the Tissues, 63-68
Vitamins, 72 illus.,65
VOice, loss of, 179 Whooping cough, 94
Vomiting, 82, 88, 94, 157 Wind, 14,22-23
bilious, 29, 88 and disease process, 90
of blood, 163 and tissues, 67
therapeutic, 84 chakra,40
treatment of, 163, 165, 166, 168, 169, deficiency, 29, 63
170, 171, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180 excess, 29, 61
sensitivity to, 29
treatment of, 155, 157
ww Wong, Dr. M., 26
Water, 149 World Health Organization, xi, 1
Water (elemental), 14,23-24 Wrist, pain in, 162, 164, 165, 167
and disease process, 90
and tissues, 67 yy
chakra,41 Yang, 26
deficiency, 152 Yen, Tsou, 26-27
excess, 29, 61, 63, 151 Yin, 26
treatment of, 157-158 Yoga, 87
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Frank Ros A.M.n, nAc. is the current director of the Australian
Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, a post which he inherited and where
Ayurvedic Acupuncture is taught. He was born in Algeciras, Spain and
arrived in Australia in 1964 with his family. After completing his
secondary education, Frank became interested in a little-known system
of martial art which originated in India, thousands of years ago. His
interest in this most fascinating and effective art, called Kalari, whetted
his appetite for learning the higher aspects of the system, primarily
Ayurvedic Acupuncture and Medicine, which began in 1970.
He graduated in 1977 with a degree in these two related systems of
Indian healing, and has since practiced, taught, researched and treated
at the Australian Institute and his own clinic in the district of Enfield,
South Australia.
Frank is a Life Member of the prestigiOUS Acupuncture SOciety of
India, a government registered organization in Rajasthan (India). He is
also a prominent member of the Naturopathic Practitioners AsSOCiation
(Australia) and of the Australian Association of Ayurveda (a member
organization of the International Federation of Ayurveda).
Besides the above, Dr. Ros is also qualified in teaching the traditional
Indian martial art called Kalari, one of the most ancient and effective
systems in the world. Kalari or Kalaripayat means The Path of the
Field of Battle, but is more correctly translated as The Way of Self-
Defence, Nature's path to higher physical and mental awareness.
207

Frank Ros The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Frank Ros The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Lost Secrets of

Based upon the Suchl Veda Science of kupuncture

by Dr. FRANK ROS A.M.n, nAco

Ufe Member of Acupuncture Society of India Member of Naturopathic

COPYRIGHT © 1994 FRANK ROS

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data:

substantial, and that by changing a few key terms, the corpus of

remarkably like the Chinese model, which may be surprising at first

Dr. David Frawley o.M.D.

sciences were taught and practiced, especially at the Indian Buddhist

In this text the king asks the monk:

new local monks which explains why Ayurvedic concepts can be

Acupuncture. This can be termed an accessory therapy since it was

TRADITIONAL INDIAN ACUPUNCTURE

the ones used in surgery were utilized. In fact) it is totally possible

In Ayurveda) acupuncture is more correctly termed iiNeedling)

"If the physician comes across a patient suffering from syncope,

It is obvious from the previous statement that acupuncture (needling)

It is hoped that those which are not currendy available to Western

Buddhism also utilized acupuncture and Ayurveda, which were

indeed explains that Tibet received acupuncture and medicine from

This must definitely be a reference to Indian surgery and acupunc-

VITAL POINTS (Marmas)

Acupuncture on the abdominal area.

pressure or Adankal therapy. 1m

Sushruta, the ancient renowned Ayurvedic surgeon described these

[life-energy). The marmas are similarly located on the body as

vaccination in the arm at a marma point can produce a delayed

This tends to point to additional marmas which by their own in-

MAJOR ORGANS (Kosthangas)

of the most important ingredient. That ingredient is the bio-energy

B.K.s. Iyengar says that:

By inhaling or via food/drinks, Prana is carried into the body via

extremely dense population (900 million plus)) this represents an

The Ayurvedic acupuncture form is termed BhedanKarma (piercing

Although Ayurvedic Acupuncture is today not as popularly prac-

taught as a post-graduate Ayurvedic course in the West.

"Ayurveda means The Science of Lill It is a science of living that encom-

Creation Of The Cosmos

Consequently, Charaka explains that there are six elements) Ether)

(Water). This semen then joins the ovum to form a zygote-(concep-

The elements} appearance is therefore from the least physical (more

Creation of the Three Humors

are merely three dIfferent statuses or onentatlOns of the !tfe-force."l

Professor Dr. PH. Kulkarni explains that iiAbnormal Vata humor

Fig. 1 Sites of the three humors (Tridoshas)

while abundance of hair is usually a Kapha feature. Kapha is normally

Ayurveda classifies the organs and tissues according to the Five

characteristic of this humor is not fluid retention caused by a bUildup

Ayurveda considers the blood to be primarily a Pitta tissue. Blood

accumulation) and later migrating to other sites of the body where

So consequently the lung and large intestine energetically connected

Wind is the element of movement and directly affects and is

affected by the lung and large intestine. As a consequence) it affects

In chemistry, ether is related to alcohol) an organic compound ob-

Liver Fire (BhutaAgnO

the fll'e fhllUral agents." I,

According to Chinese experts] the earliest record of medicine in

"TIle earftest extant medical classIc In China, Huangdi Neijing (Canon

A deficiency of Ether or energy in the liver can cause a loss of bile

THE BIO-ENERGY CHANNELS

We have previously confirmed that each major organ in the body

Fig. 2 The organ channels and their relationship with Tridoshas